2024 Project Update
On July 25, 2024, there was a Santa Barbara Parma Park Sustainable Trails Project grand opening celebration and hike. This event celebrated the completion of new trails and habitat restoration within the park, offering guided walks and hikes for the public to enjoy the upgraded trails and the restored native environment.
What the Project Added
- New and Restored Trails: The project added over seven miles of new and restored trails, including the Historic Olive Grove Loop, the Parma Peak Loop, and the Plateau Trail.
- Native Habitat Restoration: Four acres of non-native grassland were converted to native scrub and grassland to support wildlife and pollinators.
- Public Access: The new trails provide better access to new areas of the park and allow visitors to experience various native habitats in one visit.
Project History
Location:
City of Santa Barbara | Parma Park
Description:
The Parma Park Sustainable Trail System Plan was developed in 2017–2020 to assess and improve the existing 5‑mile trail network within 200 acres of Parma Park. This project evaluated organically evolved trails that no longer meet modern standards, are prone to erosion, and cross environmentally sensitive areas. The plan includes a 99‑page Phase 1 Trail Evaluation Report and maps, followed by a 120‑page Phase 2 Trail Design & Construction Plan, both supported by extensive fieldwork and GIS analysis led by project manager Ray Ford. Public workshops were held to gather community input, ensuring that the recommendations foster a safe, sustainable trail system that meets current trail management objectives while protecting natural and cultural resources.
Client:
City of Santa Barbara | Department of Parks and Recreation
Funding:
Trail planning was funded by over $35,000 from the Parma Park Foundation Fund, with further enhancements and maintenance supported through ongoing community fundraising efforts.
About Parma Park
Parma Park is a 200-acre property that is one of 14 open space parks managed by the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department. Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Parma purchased the land in the late 1800s for use as a cattle ranch and olive orchard. In 1973, Giovanni’s sons, John and Harold, donated the property to the City of Santa Barbara for use as a public park for hikers and equestrians. In 2002, the Parma family established the Parma Park Trust to support the ongoing management of the park.
Parma Park features more than seven miles of trails that are open to hikers and equestrians. Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be on a leash at all times. Bicycles are not permitted in the park due to conflicts with equestrian use. However, bike racks are available at the Stanwood Main Entrance and the El Cielito Entrance. Additionally, the park has two designated landing areas for hang gliders and paragliders.
