December 18, 2025
For more than three decades, the large oak tree standing at the heart of the UCSB Recreation Center served as a natural landmark and a gathering place for the community. Its broad canopy offered shade to summer campers, a meeting spot for patrons, and a familiar backdrop for countless photos and community events. The tree was estimated to be between 150-200 years old, or more, and its location heavily influenced the construction of the Recreation facilities to ensure it was protected.
Recently, the beloved oak tree was lost after extensive root rot was discovered, a condition that had weakened the tree from below the surface. Despite efforts to preserve it, the damage was too advanced. The oak tree ultimately fell in the heavy rainfall that hit the Santa Barbara area mid-November 2025. Fortunately, no one was injured and no major property damage occurred, but the loss is deeply felt by students, staff, and community members who considered the tree part of the Recreation Center’s identity.
In the wake of its removal, the Department of Recreation has already begun planning for the future. Administrators are working with arborists to select and plant a new tree in the coming months, one that can thrive in the environment and carry on the legacy of the fallen oak. The largest sections of branches and trunk were salvaged for seating around the perimeter of the site. Additionally, at least a dozen seedlings from the original tree have been identified and marked for preservation. The goal is to reestablish the sense of place and connection that the original tree provided for so many years.
While the landscape may look different for now, the commitment to maintaining the Recreation Center’s natural beauty remains strong. The new tree and young descendants of the original tree will stand as a symbol of renewal, growth, and the enduring bond between the Recreation Center and the community it serves.
