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Local futsal organizers propose converting underused Lot 2 for small-sided soccer courts
Summary
A community group asked the Downtown Parking Committee to consider permitting small futsal courts in underutilized Parking Lot 2 to expand youth and adult programming; staff flagged structural and code questions and said they will follow up.
Community organizers who run a local futsal program told the Santa Barbara City Downtown Parking Committee on July 10 that an underused surface parking area (Parking Lot 2, near Canon Perdido and Chapala) could host small, temporary futsal courts to expand youth and adult sports programming in the city.
Willie Sims, a local coach and former professional player, told the committee his program has about 250 adult players, 21 adult teams and youth camps and travel teams. He said the program serves underprivileged youth from across the region and that lack of indoor or small-sided fields forces organizers to turn teams away. Gabe (surname not specified in the record), who joined Sims’ public comment, said staff had identified Lot 2 as an underused location and shared examples of similar rooftop/parking-structure installations in Chicago and Queens, and a local example of a private business partnering with the city (a trapeze business) to reactivate underused public land.
Committee members thanked the presenters and said staff would follow up. Chair Penner and staff signaled two immediate items that need review before a pilot could proceed: a structural/load review of the parking structure/lot and the municipal code implications for using a vehicle-designated lot for recreational activity. Committee staff cautioned that some garages were designed for vehicle dead loads and not for sustained live loads (large crowds), and recommended a specific structural engineering review for the identified location. Staff also noted that any change of use would require coordination with city engineering and potentially code updates or permits.
The presenters said they were open to paying rent or sharing revenue with the city and emphasized anticipated downtown economic spillover when parents and participants shop or dine nearby while attending programs.
The committee did not take formal action on the proposal during the meeting; staff said they would investigate next steps and report back.
