Douglas Family Preserve
Encyclopedia
Park
A park is a protected area, in its natural or semi-natural state, or planted, and set aside for human recreation and enjoyment, or for the protection of wildlife or natural habitats. It may consist of rocks, soil, water, flora and fauna and grass areas. Many parks are legally protected by...
in Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is the county seat of Santa Barbara County, California, United States. Situated on an east-west trending section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States, the city lies between the steeply-rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean...
. The Preserve, formerly known as the Wilcox Property, is located on the mesa above Arroyo Burro Beach
Arroyo Burro Beach
Arroyo Burro Beach, widely known as Hendry's Beach by local residents, is a public beach in Santa Barbara, California. Located off of Cliff Drive, it is the terminus of Arroyo Burro Creek, and stands at the foot of the Santa Barbara coastal bluffs of the Douglas Family Preserve, which is adjacent...
. The property spans 70 acres (283,280.2 m²) of undeveloped ocean-front land, and represents the largest area of coastal open space within the city limits of Santa Barbara.
Access and Attractions
There are several bluffs overlooking the beach, popular for watching whales, dolphins and hang gliders who launch from nearby Ellings Park and often land on the main trail near the main entrance.
Near the east entrance, just north of the bluffs and main path, there is an area with plantings of many native plant species. Foundations of earlier developments and buildings may be seen in several places, along with remnants of paved roads. Several species of birds and animals may be seen at different times of the year.
A second entrance is from Arroyo Burro Beach parking east via a sidewalk along the south side of Cliff Drive and turning south to a pedestrian bridge over Mesa Creek and estuary, continuing to a well-developed shaded trail up the hillside to connect with the main preserve perimeter trail.
Dogs are permitted off-leash within designated areas at the Preserve, making it a favorite location for canine owners. Others use it for hiking, strolling and jogging.
History
The property was the site of the Wilcox nursery from 1949 until 1972. Soon after the nursery business closed several development proposals were put forward, including plans for a luxury hotel, a residential subdivision, and a retirement community. In 1996 Santa Barbara residents raised more than $2 million to help the Trust for Public Land purchase the Wilcox Property for $3.6 million. The property, now a city park, was named "Douglas Family Preserve," in recognition of the $600,000 contribution towards acquiring the park by actor Michael DouglasMichael Douglas
Michael Kirk Douglas is an American actor and producer, primarily in movies and television. He has won three Golden Globes and two Academy Awards; first as producer of 1975's Best Picture, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and as Best Actor in 1987 for his role in Wall Street. Douglas received the...
.