Carlsbad is setting the stage for a new chapter in community recreation with a $30 million park planned for Robertson Ranch. The City Council gave the green light to a conceptual design that promises to sprinkle the area with sports courts, a splash pad, and more, as reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune. The park, which will occupy a stout 11.2-acre corner at Cannon Road and El Camino Real, is not expected to open its gates for another four years.
Incorporating community feedback into the blueprint, the park's master plan includes features like a community garden, a basketball half-court, and six pickleball courts. Locals emphasized during the planning phase the importance of a design that mirrors Carlsbad's distinctive vibe, leading to the inclusion of references to the city’s agricultural past and its hilly landscapes. As noted by the City of Carlsbad, other elements, such as tranquil areas and the addition of the first jogging track in a city park, were added following input from older residents and feedback from the public.
Financially, the project toes the line of necessitating a citywide vote, presumably due to city regulations that mandate a public vote on construction overhead beyond $1.5 million from the city's general fund. However, officials note that a patchwork of grants or developer fees may pour in to cover costs without triggering a vote. Traffic flow concerns led to the tactical addition of a second entrance and exit on Cannon Road, lightening potential congestion woes, the City of Carlsbad described.
