Carlsbad seeks resident input for planned park

Carlsbad is asking residents what they want to see in a new 11-acre park to be built near El Camino Real and Cannon Road.

The undeveloped property is next to the new Fire Station No. 3 in Robertson Ranch, a nearly 400-acre master planned community with more than 1,100 single-family homes, apartments and condominiums along the eastern side of El Camino Real between Tamarack Avenue and Cannon.

The community’s master plan approved in 2006 suggested the park include three soccer fields, a tot lot, and passive recreation areas, such as walking paths, picnic tables and seating areas. Restrooms, a concession stand and off-street parking also will be included.

So far nothing’s set, but Carlsbad needs sports fields because the demand exceeds availability at peak hours, city officials said. And some facilities, such as another swimming pool or bike park, have been crossed off the list.

Carlsbad has a competition-sized swim complex at the 10year-old Alga Norte Community Park on Alicante Road, and it recently approved major renovations for its older Monroe Street pool next to Carlsbad High School.

Bike parks have been cited as a community priority, but one is on the way. The city is building a family-oriented bike park at the new Veterans Memorial Park on Faraday Avenue near Cannon Road. Also, the nearby Lake Calavera Preserve has trails for mountain biking.

About 225 people attended an outdoor community meeting to air ideas at the Robertson Ranch site Tuesday evening, said Kristina Ray, the city’s communications and engagement director.

“There was a lot of discussion about connecting to nature and wanting to see natural elements in the park, like trails or even a track where people could run or jog,” Ray said.

“Pickleball is very popular, and we heard from community members who would like to see pickleball courts at this location,” she said. “We also heard from residents who would like to see a dog park. Community gardens also came up.”

New parks typically have EV charging stations, waterwise landscaping, water bottle filling stations and other environmental features, she said.