Our field today

Our hope for tomorrow

The Need for a Permanent, Synthetic Turf Soccer Field
Fields Forever 2 Capital Campaign

Girsh Park has the distinction of being the only active park in the Goleta Valley. This 25 acre recreation facility is owned and operated by The Foundation for Girsh Park, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.  The Park is comprised of three little league fields, a large baseball field, a softball field, an international size soccer field, basketball courts, a community room, group picnic area, playground, and family picnic areas.

A study done by the City of Santa Barbara in 2000 shows there is a shortage of ten soccer fields for youth alone.  This shortage creates over-use of the fields that are available, and the soccer field at Girsh Park is no exception.  The soccer, baseball and softball fields at Girsh Park are heavily used, requiring reseeding and reconditioning on a consistent basis. The Park’s international size soccer field is used the most, and consequently suffers the most damage. This results in closing the soccer field for 4-5 months annually.  During this closure, soccer groups are relocated to the baseball and softball outfields, which are degraded to similar conditions. Unfortunately, when the AYSO season starts at Girsh Park, the fields are in marginal condition and can be dangerous for play. 

To resolve this problem, the Foundation for Girsh Park has embarked on a $1.25 million capital project to convert the soccer field to a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field. The advantages of the new synthetic turf include: year round field availability, less wear and tear on the other fields in the Park, minimal maintenance and water usage, as well as the elimination of any herbicides or pesticides used to maintain the field.  Our goal is to complete the project by Fall/Winter of 2008. The Fields Forever 2 Capital Campaign Committee has been formed to complete this very important community project.  The committee is comprised of Park board members, soccer enthusiasts, and community leaders.

The project budget of $1,250,000 consists of a drainage base, the synthetic turf and installation.  In addition, gated fencing, fundraising costs, endowment expansion, and modest program expansion are included into the project budget. Funds are being solicited from foundations, corporations, individuals, businesses, and governmental agencies to achieve that goal.  We ask that you help us reach our goal and provide a first class soccer field for the community.

             Thank you for supporting this important community project!