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The allure of this garden park is seen from every angle, as it is comprised of carefully planned exhibits of beautiful and unique foliage set into natural patterns and groupings. The gardens are planted with a myriad of botanicals, featuring 75 different varieties, as well as water tolerant succulents, grasses, shrubs, palms, and trees of varying types, growing in cooperation with each other. The drought resistant gardens are a demonstration that lush, green, exquisite plants and trees can grow with little water. They are a demonstration that beauty doesn’t have to cost us precious resources, while at the same time they represent some of the varieties which grow very well in Santa Barbara’s Mediterranean climate.Many of the gardens are equipped with audio information stations where a push of the button brings forth everything you ever wanted to know about what you are at that moment looking at, and Braille signs, and informative directories of all the plant life. A large sundial completes the nucleus of the park.
One of the parks obvious charms includes a man-made pond, which circulates with an ever-running creek. Upon the water grows a healthy and vibrant water lily, often in full-bloom. Beneath the water is something even more special. Turtles and koi fish live and thrive side-by-side in the ponds clear waters. It is an unexpected treat to pass by the pond and see dozens of turtles sunning themselves upon rocks and boulders, or amidst the lilies. And the koi move about with their bright colors drawing the attention of passers-by. To top off the animal population is a small flock of ducks that remain there year round.
If you’re inclined to grab a loaf of day old bread for the ducks, be aware of the restrictions which exist to protect the fish and turtles. The ducks can be fed on land, but not in the water. Bread and other inappropriate foods are considered harmful to the fish and turtles and therefore signs are posted to direct visitors in the matter. However, koi fish food can be purchased at local markets and can be fed to all of the animal inhabitants.Alice Keck Park is popular among photographers as it provides unique views, plant and animal life, birds and butterflies, all of which make memorable subjects in photographs. There runs throughout, meandering trails which cross over the creek and reveal secret areas. A gazebo extends out over the pond, and an archway opens up into one of the grass lawns. In every direction, the photographer will find an interesting picture.
Because of its natural beauty, the park is also a popular location for weddings. There are many suitable areas depending on the number of guests, but the most popular area is in the archway. Reservations are necessary, but it is a location worth waiting for.
And for the soul seeking solitude, this is the place to go. There are benches located throughout the park, ideal for a shaded, peaceful location to take in a good book. It is not uncommon to see folks with laptops or headphones, sitting against a tree, or a picnic spread out on the grass. The park also features picnic areas for those who would prefer to use a table.
When visiting Alice Keck Park, be sure and do so leisurely. It is inviting in every way, friendly enough even to allow visitors to wander off the paths to get a closer look. No path should be skipped as each possesses its own special destination and lovely flora. Every color of flower can be found, and it seems as if the garden is always in bloom. Dogs are welcome too (on-leash). Park attendants are always around and if you come at the right time, they may provide you with a portion of koi and turtle food, much to the delight of the pond animals. Though the park could be toured in less than an hour, give yourself an extra hour, and don’t rush it.
Much to the surprise of visitors, there is no cost to tour this park, and it is open from sunrise all the way until 10:00 PM. There are no bathroom facilities in the park but just across the street at Alameda Park, facilities can be found, including water.
Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens is an excellent destination for out-of-town visitors and locals alike. For some, a visit is a daily ritual, along with a hot cup of Americano and the local paper. For the tourist, it will be remembered and revisited with every trip to Santa Barbara. How lucky the 805 is to have such a place.
