Regular Donor Len Knight Gifts Land Just in Time for OASIS’ 40th Anniversary
ORCUTT, Calif., Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Local businessman Len Knight announced today the donation of 10 acres of land to Northern Santa Barbara County-based, volunteer-driven nonprofit center OASIS (Orcutt Area Seniors in Service) which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
A few years ago, Knight and his son, Matthew, bought three parcels totaling more than 10 acres along the Orcutt Creek with one goal — to benefit the community through an open space or recreational area. They saw the real need for community and park spaces in Orcutt and wanted to be a part of the solution.
About 18 months ago, Len offered Michelle Southwick, OASIS Center Executive Director, a proposal.
“He would be willing to donate the parcels as long as we made sure they were not used as a housing development, but instead to encourage some kind of public space open to our whole community,” said Southwick. “In the meantime, Len Knight has supported OASIS with annual donations for operational costs. I knew this was a genuine, generous offer from a fellow citizen dedicated to truly enhancing Orcutt.”
The current plan is for a 1/2 mile walking trail plus a biking trail that eventually will go all the way through to California Boulevard, plus a large lawn, meditation garden for yoga, native plants, picnic tables, large BBQ for events and more.
Len Knight is a successful local businessperson who has always been community minded, including owning and renovating Mussell Fort in Tepusquet Canyon. OASIS’ goal all along has been to use its space as a place for the whole community, regardless of age, young or old, large and small.
With the adjoining ten plus acre donation from the Knight family, there will be almost 16 acres reserved for public use. The Orcutt Library will also occupy some of the land. Southwick says there will be open space for parents and grandparents to walk with kids. Seniors can also head to the library and volunteer to read stories to toddlers or mentor high school kids in business or college preparation. High school students will be actively involved with OASIS’ aquaponic, raised bed vegetable gardens and continue to teach smart phone classes and support OASIS fundraising events.
Southwick just signed documents with Santa Barbara County for it to buy the five acres from OASIS, then lease it back to OASIS at a nominal annual charge.
“This will benefit OASIS in many ways, saving on annual maintenance and landscaping so we can concentrate on keeping our programming as robust as possible. The County is also expected to cover much of the sitework, immediately saving OASIS thousands and thousands of dollars,” added Southwick.
The sale to the County should be finalized around the September 16, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting. Eventually OASIS will sell the ten acres donated by the Knight family to the County, turning the Knights land donation into a financial boost for its Capital Campaign.
Kathleen Sullivan, VP of Post Acute Care at Dignity Health, shared her perspective on their $200,000 pledge to the Capital Campaign. “With the generous donation of land from Len Knight, and the crucial support of others such as Dignity Health, OASIS is poised to continue and expand its excellent portfolio of programming for local seniors for the next several decades. This isn’t just about building a new center; it’s a vital investment in the overall well-being and health of our entire community, ensuring our elders thrive and contribute to a healthier society for generations to come.”
In August, OASIS celebrated its 40th anniversary with a luau-themed party. The celebration will continue on March 14, 2026, when OASIS will host a St. Patrick’s Day non-traditional gala featuring casino games and plenty of Irish shenanigans at the nearby Santa Maria Fairpark.
During its 40th year in existence, OASIS expects to also celebrate the groundbreaking for a new 14000 square foot building, an increase from its current 4000 square foot facility that will offer improved services for seniors’ health and lifestyle including safer, ADA-accessible recreational facilities, a more technologically advanced computer lab and increased capacity for large gatherings.
Participation in OASIS’s programs is membership-based: $35 for an individual or $60 for two in the same household. OASIS features over 50 unique opportunities a month for health and wellness, including aerobics instruction, ceramics, investment group and much more. There will be an even greater variety of programs for seniors following the groundbreaking, more creative arts and outdoor yoga classes being just a few.
About OASIS
OASIS is a [501(c)(3)] community lifeline for Northern Santa Barbara County seniors. Each year we deliver enriching programs, resource navigation, and social connection that help older adults remain engaged, independent, and safe. At OASIS, we believe growing older should mean growing in community—not growing isolated.
We create welcoming spaces, meaningful programs, and practical supports that help local seniors stay active, informed, and connected. Our team also works across agencies to strengthen the safety net for older adults, preventing the loneliness, neglect, and abuse that too often go unseen. Whether you’re a senior, caregiver, volunteer, or neighbor, there’s a place for you here. Visit www.oasisorcutt.org.
Media Contact: Frank Tortorici, [email protected]
SOURCE OASIS
