“By far the greatest and most admirable form of wisdom that is needed to plan and beautify cities and human communities”
-Socrates
Our Mission.
Bring to Vandenberg Village a centrally located park and playground that provides a safe, educational and enjoyable destination. Provide long term maintenance and oversight.
Our Vision.
Transform the allotted space into a beautiful area that is both relaxing and utilitarian. Provide playground equipment that is age appropriate and fun. Accommodate those with special needs - designing with accessibility in mind. Making every effort to identify and maintain native plants. Introduce drought tolerant plants, demonstration gardens and waterwise landscaping to serve as a example to our local residents of what can be done to benefit our environment.
Our Values.
Create a recreational space within our community that respects our existing ecology and plant communities. Giving opportunities to enjoy our environment through active and passive use spaces while educating residents and visitors.
Our Background.
In 2012 the Vandenberg Village Association (VVA) became aware that a large open space of land was up for sale. One of our members spoke with 3rd District Supervisor Doreen Farr to see if the County and the owner could negotiate some sort of an agreement to acquire all or part of the land with the idea that it be transformed into a park and playground. Supervisor Farr was successful in overseeing the negotiation of a deal where the Reid Alexander Family Trust would donate 1.5 acres of his 8.24-acre parcel to Santa Barbara County. Being that S.B. County didn’t have the fiscal resources to take on this project, the deal was contingent on the VVA assuring Supervisor Farr that we as a community would step up to the challenge of raising money and recruiting the necessary volunteers to take on this long term commitment. The assurances were made by the VVA and the land donation was formally accepted December 2012. The VVA joining with other community service organizations formed the Vandenberg Village Park & Playground Coalition shortly there after. We held our first meeting on 9 April 2013. Besides the VVA, the Village Rotary Club, Village Lions Club, Village Farmers Market Association, Lompoc Kiwanis, Burton Mesa & La Purisima Audubon Society, and Lompoc Valley in Bloom are currently members of the coalition. We also have local residents who are unaffiliated with a service organization as part of our coalition.