What we heard

Below are some of the ideas and priorities we heard from the community last year that the design team used to develop the three concept designs.

• Make the park something unique to Carlsbad, not generic
• Emphasize safety in the park design, maintenance and operations
• Be considerate of nearby residents (noise, lights, parking and traffic)
• Create opportunities for social connections
• Emphasize the community's love of nature, open space and wildlife
• Design the park for multigenerational uses so it’s fun for all ages

How input was used

“Uniquely Carlsbad”
Each design’s inspiration comes from Carlsbad’s topography and other features. Public art will provide another opportunity to make the park unique to Carlsbad. The community will have an opportunity to give input on the public art for the park. That process will start once the overall plan for the park is finalized.

Safety and security
All of the designs utilize the principles of “crime prevention through environmental design,” which is a way of using the physical features of a space to deter crime. For example, the restrooms in all three designs are located in central, high-traffic areas. Lighting and landscaping will reduce dark and secluded areas.

Second entrance
The city is exploring the feasibility and cost of adding a park entrance off Cannon Road. The potential location is shown on each design. If feasible, the second entrance would allow right turns in and out for those traveling westbound on Cannon Road. It would not include a traffic signal for people turning left from eastbound on Cannon Road. Once a final design is chosen, city staff will present this option to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission and, ultimately, the City Council for consideration.

Good neighbor features
Areas that could generate noise, such as the ballfields and pickleball courts, are located away from nearby homes. Overhead sports lighting is also located away from the nearby neighborhood. The parking lot is large enough to accommodate the park’s anticipated uses. All three designs include the option of a second entrance on Cannon Road.

Play for all ages
Amenities are located near each other to encourage interaction among different age groups. For example, fitness areas, open lawn and picnic areas are next to the children’s playground. A walking and jogging path goes around the sports field and other park amenities.

Community connections
Gathering spaces have been incorporated into all three designs, and different activities and amenities are strategically located next to each other to encourage social connections.

Peaceful spaces
All three designs incorporate large open areas, places for picnics and lookout areas that connect the park to the adjacent natural open space.

Environmental sustainability
Active use fields will be set back from habitat areas, and lighting will be directed away from the open space. The park will utilize recycled water for irrigation and feature water conservation features like waterwise landscaping. Drainage at the site will include natural basins that allow rain and runoff to seep back into the earth. Lighting will utilize low-energy use fixtures.

Tennis courts
Tennis courts were not as a high priority as other features, based on the community’s feedback. Tennis courts were also not a significant need identified in the recently updated Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan.

Dog park
Although some community members wanted a dog park at this location, it was not a high priority based on the overall feedback. A new dog park within the nearby Village H South property (corner of Victoria Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive) is in the early stages of design, and existing dog parks will remain at Hidden Valley, Alga Norte and Poinsettia Community Parks.

Natural water feature
One concept (#2, ‘Community Quilt’) includes a natural water feature as part of the park’s drainage system, which would feature water during and after it rains. Otherwise, a natural water feature was not included because of the cost, long-term maintenance needs, available space and other higher priority needs.

Skate park
A skate park was not identified as a high priority based on community feedback. In addition, the noise associated with a skate park is a concern given nearby homes.

How does the size of the parking lot compare to other similar parks?
The parking lot size is based on the amenities proposed, parking usage at other city parks and industry standards.

Would there be games and tournaments that bring in more cars than could be accommodated in the park’s parking lot?
Yes, periodically, but the city would plan to limit park activities that could cause spillover parking in the nearby neighborhoods.

Would the field include bleachers and dugouts?
The fields would have striping to accommodate different types of sports. At this time, we are not planning bleacher seating for the field, but it could be added if space allows. However, each concept includes a baseball diamond with space to accommodate a backstop, dugouts and bleachers behind home plate that would not interfere with other planned sporting activities.

How does the proposed field compare in size to other city fields?
The design shows a field the same size as the artificial turf multi-sport field at Poinsettia Community Park.