Earlier this year, staff gathered community input on three potential design concepts for Robertson Ranch Park. Based on that feedback, staff further refined the design concepts to create a single recommended master plan.

The proposed design includes:

• A multipurpose sports field
• 6 new pickleball courts
• A community garden
• A splash pad and playgrounds
• A basketball half-court
• A rubberized jogging track (the first in a city park)
• Fitness stations
• A natural surface path and connections to nearby trails
• Picnic areas with shade
• Open grassy areas
• Spaces to enjoy nature
• Two entrances, one on Cannon Road and one by Fire Station 3

Specific elements like materials, equipment and plants have yet to be decided. These decisions will be made as the project team adds more details to the plan.

Being a good neighbor
Field lighting and the most active parts of the park will be located away from nearby homes, and the parking lot configuration will allow for easy access to the sports field (minimal lugging of equipment) while providing convenient access to the community garden and pickleball courts.

Uniquely Carlsbad
Some of the most consistent input we received earlier in the process focused on creating a space that feels like Carlsbad. Two of the three design inspirations captured the most attention: 

• One focused on visual links to Carlsbad’s agrarian roots.
• The other looked to the rolling hills surrounding the site for design guidance.
• The final proposed design includes nods to both, with curved shapes throughout, a community garden and other natural elements.

Give feedback
The Parks & Recreation Commission will review the proposed design, listen to community input and provide a recommendation to the City Council.

Parks & Recreation Commission
Monday, July 15, 5:30 p.m.
City Council Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
View the agenda and staff report

You are welcome to attend and provide comments in person. Or, you can email your comments in advance and watch the livestream.

Next steps

• Staff is scheduled to present the recommended park master plan to the City Council for review and consideration on July 23.
• If approved, the project team will develop the plan to a greater level of detail and seek environmental approval and permits from the Planning Commission in 2025.
• After that, city staff would present a final master plan to the Parks & Recreation Commission and to the City Council, who would provide direction on next steps and consider future funding options.

From start to finish, planning a city park like this typically takes about four to five years.

About the park
Robertson Ranch Park will be located on 11.2 acres near the intersection of El Camino Real and Cannon Road. The new park is part of the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, focused on maintaining Carlsbad’s excellent quality of life and unique community character.

More information
Robertson Ranch Park project webpage
Robertson Ranch Park public input webpage
Recommended park master plan
Nick Stupin, Parks Planning Manager, nick.stupin@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2527