CARLSBAD — The city of Carlsbad is advancing plans to develop Robertson Ranch Park on an 11.2-acre plot at the intersection of Cannon Road and El Camino Real.
Last year, staff began work on the city’s newest park by gathering input on conceptual designs from residents. Three conceptual designs were reviewed, with the community ultimately selecting a plan that would be “uniquely Carlsbad.”
Using the community’s input, staff created the Robertson Ranch Master Plan. The park will feature a playground, six pickleball courts, a multipurpose sports field with spectator seating, a 35-planter bed community garden, a ⅓-mile rubberized walking and jogging track, other trail connections, a splash pad, multigenerational fitness and exercise stations, a half-sized basketball court, and open green space.
Developing the park is estimated to cost $30 million. As requested by nearby residents, the main entrance will be through a roundabout on Trailblazer Way, with an additional right turn in-and-out entrance off Cannon Road to improve traffic flow.
City Council approved the park’s recommended master plan on July 23 with a 4-0 vote. Councilmember Carolyn Luna abstained due to owning property adjacent to the park.
City staff will now proceed with environmental permitting and entitlements required before construction can begin, using funds from the city’s northeast park district in-lieu fees.
According to the staff’s timeline, the City Council will likely approve the final plans and funding next spring. The project will take another year or two to approve construction plans, funding and a construction contract, with park completion and opening expected in roughly five years.
Potential funding sources for the park include grants, park in-lieu fees, public facility funds, and general fund reserves, which may require a Proposition H vote.
Councilmember Teresa Acosta emphasized using natural, environmentally friendly materials over synthetic options.
“I do feel strongly about naturals,” Acosta said.
Resident Vanessa Forsythe urged the city to avoid synthetic or pour-in-place materials and to scrutinize claims that such materials are recyclable.
“I think the industry in terms of using synthetic turf really provides a lot of misinformation – they use terms like recyclable, environmentally friendly, low-cost maintenance… I encourage the council to direct staff to look at that in more depth and come back with more information,” she said.
Forsythe also requested the installation of native plants along the walking trail.
