The City of Carlsbad is asking the community to weigh in on three potential design concepts for Robertson Ranch Park, the city’s newest park, planned for the corner of Cannon Road and El Camino Real. The final design, which could incorporate elements of all three options, depending on community feedback, will then be presented to the City Council for approval later this year.

The three options were developed based on community input provided last fall and a recently updated Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan.

Park priorities
Among the community’s priorities were to:

• Make the park something unique to Carlsbad, not generic
• Be considerate of nearby residents (noise, lights, parking and traffic)
• Address a need for more sports fields in Carlsbad
• Create opportunities for social connections
• Include quiet spaces to enjoy nature 

• Design the park for multigenerational uses so it’s fun for all ages

The designs take different approaches to incorporating these priorities. For example, each concept provides open grassy areas where people can relax and take in the scenery. Picnic areas and lookout points are strategically located to help connect people to the surrounding habitat preserve. Gathering spaces and a central plaza are also included in all three designs to create opportunities for informal social connections and planned gatherings. Finally, a multipurpose sports field the same size as those at Aviara and Poinsettia community parks is included in all options.

Many community members asked the city to consider adding a second entrance and exit from the park. The three design concepts show options for accessing the park from Cannon Road, although the city is still confirming the feasibility and cost of making this change. 

Learn more about how the park designers used this input to develop the three concept designs. 

3 easy ways to provide feedback

Between now and Feb. 23, 2024, community members can provide feedback on the design options three different ways:

“A walk through 3 parks” community meeting
Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
City of Carlsbad Faraday Administration Center
1635 Faraday Ave. 

Drop by anytime for a "choose your own adventure" style walk through three information stations, each one focused on one of the park concepts. Talk to park planners, ask questions and provide feedback. 

Virtual community meeting (Zoom) 

Robertson Ranch: A walk through 3 parks
Thursday, Feb. 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Register online 

Join the project team online to participate in group discussions about the park design concepts, ask questions and provide feedback.

Online survey
Take the online survey available through Feb. 26. 

To request reasonable accommodations to participate in a workshop, please call 442-339-5352 (voice), 711 (free relay service for TTY users) at least 72 hours in advance to discuss accessibility needs. 

Next steps

• The project team will incorporate feedback received on the design concepts to create a proposed Robertson Ranch Park master plan.
• Later this year, the proposed park master plan will be presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission for review and then the City Council for approval. Both of these meetings will include opportunities for the public to share any final input on the park’s design.
• After the design is approved, the City Council will determine next steps, including a funding plan, creating the detailed park design and a construction timeline.
• Decisions about the specific design of amenities like playground equipment, the sports field surface and other details will be made when the city develops the detailed park design.

More information

• Robertson Ranch Park project page
• Park design concepts
• Robertson Ranch Park public input
• Sign up for email updates
• Nick Stupin, Parks Planning Manager, nick.stupin@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2527