The Cabrillo Pavilion: Restoring the Jewel of East Beach

Jill Zachary, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Santa Barbara will discuss the
development of East Beach and Santa Barbara’s coastal parks for public recreation, the vision of
early civic leaders to develop community gathering places, and the current efforts to undertake
a complete renovation of the Cabrillo Pavilion that preserves its historic integrity while
establishing a modern recreation and community social center.

The Cabrillo Pavilion, a gift to the people of Santa Barbara from David Gray in 1927, has served
as a community destination for beach recreation, social events, summer camps and sporting
events for more than 90 years. Construction of the Cabrillo Pavilion provided the cornerstone
for the City’s plan to acquire and develop land along East Beach (from Steams Wharf to the
Andree Clark Bird Refuge) for public recreation and park purposes. When it opened, the
building provided public facilities to support beach activities and ocean swimming, as well as
social events, such as dances, tea socials, and private parties. Community use of the building
over time mirrors the growth and development of Santa Barbara as a premier seaside
destination and hub for beach and aquatic sports, its contributions to supporting the war effort
during World War II, and the dedication of civic leaders to prioritize community coastal access
over commercial development.