Stow Grove Park, located at 580 N La Patera Lane (map), is one of the City's most historically rich parks.  The park offers something for everyone.  It is a beautiful park with stunning redwood groves and native plants, and sycamore, oak, and eucalyptus trees.  Park amenities include a softball field, two volleyball courts, horseshoes, open lawn and playground, restrooms, BBQ grills, benches, and picnic tables. It is an ideal park for a family or company picnic.

Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park is located in the heart of Old Town Goleta at 170 S. Kellogg Ave. The park includes a multi-purpose field, basketball court, handball court, concrete ping-pong table, bocce ball court, pickleball court, perimeter walking path, fitness nodes with exercise equipment, picnic areas, and skateboard plaza.  Currently this park is under construction  to install a splash pad and intermittent closures of specific recreation amenities may be experienced.

Stow Grove Park and Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park are the only City parks that take reservations. (Girsh Park is a private park and Goleta Beach Park is run by Santa Barbara County.) There are also a number of parks with picnic tables available on a first-come, first-serve basis throughout the City of Goleta parks. Click here for more information.

• All reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment for site fee plus cleaning deposit, along with a completed and signed original Park Reservation Application, must be received before your reservation can be confirmed.
• Fees are charged according to seasonal demand and are non-refundable, except for rain or hazardous wind conditions, or if a confirmed reservation is cancelled 14 days or more prior to the reservation date.  Low demand periods are Monday through Thursday non-holidays, 9/01 through 6/01; High demand periods are all other times.
• A $25.00 administrative fee is included in the rate and is non-refundable.
• The $150.00 security deposit is refundable, providing the area is maintained and left in the same condition as it was prior to the event date, and all terms and conditions of the rental were followed and adhere to. Any refunds due will be returned via the method in which they were paid within three (3) weeks of the event date. 
• Please use the Group Picnic Reservation link above to determine area availability and call (805) 967-1237 for any additional questions.

In order to make the park experience positive for all users, please observe these guidelines: 

1. The park opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at sunset. The parking lot gate is locked at sunset. Please plan to be out by the time posted on the sign, reflecting sunset for that day.
2. Areas not reserved (no City sign posted) are available the day of on a first come, first served basis AFTER 8:00 a.m. There is no charge for use of the area but no bouncers are allowed. Items left before 8:00 a.m. to hold a spot will be removed.
3. Amplified sounds and music must not disturb or annoy others or interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the park. City employees have the authority to require guests to restrict or refrain from the use of audio devices in the park. (Goleta Municipal Code Chapters 9.09 and 12.15)
4. Please limit the number of persons in your group to the designated size of the area you have reserved.
5. Permits are required for party activities such as inflatable bouncers.
6. Please note that bounce house permits are are subject to approval.
7. Food, drinks, or alcoholic beverages may not be sold without prior written authorization from the City.
8. No open flames are allowed except in City provided grills.  This restriction includes personal BBQ grills, pits, and cookers.
9. All vendors must be approved by the City.
10. The use of staples or tacks damages park structures and tables and is prohibited on all fences, tables, posts, etc.
11. Please put all trash and litter in cans provided. You are expected to restore the area to the condition in which it was found.
12. Do not put hot ashes in trash cans. 
13. Parking is limited and cannot be reserved. Please arrive early and consider carpooling.
14. Vehicles are NOT allowed on grass or past the parking lot – NO EXCEPTIONS.
15. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
16. HAVE FUN & ENJOY YOUR VISIT!

• Indemnification Agreement (Special Use) 
  If outside caterers, vendors or equipment will be used, the vendor or equipment supplier must complete this Indemnification Agreement and submit the signed original to the City of Goleta prior to your event.
• Permit to Sell Alcohol - City of Goleta Application 
  Complete the top portion and return to the City of Goleta for processing. Once approved, a copy will be returned to you for submission with your permit application to the Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC issues the alcohol permit not the City of Goleta). 

The Goleta Municipal Code 12.15.190 restricts use of sound-amplifying equipment at City Parks.

No. Audio devices, including amplifiers, radios, portable speakers, PA systems, DJ equipment, karaoke equipment, drums, horns, live bands (amplified and acoustic), and similar sound-producing equipment, are prohibited under Goleta Municipal Code Section 12.15.190. Excessive noise that disrupts other park users or surrounding properties may also be prohibited. Violations may result in forfeiture of the security deposit and/or termination of the reservation.

No. Personal barbecue grills are not permitted; designated picnic areas include City-provided grills for public use. Additional open-flame, charcoal, or fuel-sourced cooking, warming, or decorative devices — including propane equipment, portable grills, chafing dishes, Sterno fuel containers, warming stations, tiki torches, fire pits and similar fire hazards equipment are prohibited unless specifically approved by the city in advance.

Yes. Renters are responsible for removing all trash, decorations, food items, and personal belongings, leaving the area as it was found. Failure to properly clean the site may result in forfeiture of all or part of the security deposit.

No. Paint, dyes, and other permanent field-marking products are prohibited. Temporary field markings may be made using chalk or other approved materials with prior City approval. Requests to use paint must go through the Special Event Permit process.

Reservations must be made at least 72 hours (three business days) in advance. Reservations for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays must be submitted no later than the preceding Wednesday to allow adequate processing time.

Yes. A $150 security deposit is required at the time of booking. If the reserved area is left clean and undamaged, all rental rules are followed, and no additional staff time is required for cleanup or repairs, the deposit will be refunded. Refunds are typically processed within 6–8 weeks after the event and are issued either to the original payment method or by check mailed to the address on file.

Limited tables and portable seating are permitted. Tables, banquet furniture, and large event furnishings are generally not permitted unless specifically approved by the City in advance.

City of Goleta Parks are open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. All event activities, including setup, cleanup, and guest departure, must be completed before sunset. Parking lot gates are locked at sunset.

Due to pending construction at Stow Grove Park, bounce houses are not permitted at this time. Bounce house permits WILL resume being issued UPON COMPLETION OF PLANNED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES.

A permit helps ensure compliance with City regulations and allows the City to coordinate necessary services such as public safety, traffic control, sanitation, and park operations.

Yes. Caterers and other vendors conducting business at a City facility may be required to hold a valid City of Goleta business license, provide insurance documentation, and sign an indemnification agreement. All food preparation and service must comply with park regulations and fire safety requirements. On-site sales of food or drinks are not permitted without City approval.

Yes. Entertainers, performers, and event vendors may be permitted provided they comply with all applicable City regulations, noise restrictions, insurance requirements, and permit conditions.

Rental fees are non-refundable except in case of rain or hazardous weather conditions. Reservations canceled at least 14 days prior to the event may be eligible for a refund, less a $25 administrative fee.

Reservations must be made at least 72 hours (three business days) in advance. Reservations for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays must be submitted no later than the preceding Wednesday to allow adequate processing time.

Low Demand: Monday through Thursday (excluding holidays) from September 1 through June 1.

High Demand: All other dates and times.

Yes. A $150 security deposit is required at the time of booking.

Yes. The security deposit is refundable provided the reserved area is left clean and undamaged, all rental rules are followed, and no additional staff time is required for cleanup or repairs. Refunds are typically processed within 6-8 weeks following the event and are issued either to the original payment method or by check mailed to the address on file.

Yes. Reservation dates may be changed, subject to availability and in accordance with the cancelation policy.

To cancel or modify a reservation, please email parkreservations@cityofgoleta.gov

Yes. Reservations may be rescheduled due to inclement weather, subject to availability.

Rental fees are non-refundable except in cases of rain or hazardous weather conditions. Reservations canceled at least 14 days prior to the event may be eligible for a refund, less a $25 administrative fee.

Yes. Full payment is required at the time of booking.

No. There are no additional discounts available beyond those currently listed.

Payments may be made online, in person, or by mail. Checks should be made payable to the City of Goleta and mailed to:

City of Goleta -Goleta Community Center
Attention: Park Reservations
5679 Hollister Avenue
Goleta, CA 93117