ESCONDIDO — The city of Escondido has awarded nearly $13 million in construction and management services contracts to upgrade the Escondido Creek Trail Multi-Use Path.
On August 28, the City Council approved the hiring of Tri-Group Construction and Development, Inc. to carry out the improvements, while T.Y. Lin International will manage construction, inspection, and environmental services.
The project aims to enhance a 4.5-mile section of the trail between Harmony Grove Road and Midway Drive, transforming it into a “linear park,” according to the city staff report.
The plans include adding 0.4 miles of new bicycle lanes to extend the creek trail from Harmony Grove Road to the Citracado Parkway extension, opening the previously closed side of the trail. Additionally, more than 1.5 miles of decomposed granite walking trails will be created, offering a separate path for pedestrians and joggers.
Key features of the project include new paving and striping, shade structures, benches, trash receptacles, bottle filling stations, fitness equipment, enhanced lighting, natural play equipment, decorative fencing to replace the existing chain link, artistic elements, landscaping and irrigation, and new wayfinding and educational signage.
“So many communities have taken their utility corridors and revitalized them into true community assets—that’s what we’re hoping to accomplish with this project,” Deputy City Manager Joanna Axelrod told the City Council.
Axelrod explained that developments around the creek trail had historically grown away from the creek after it was channelized decades ago. With these upgrades, the city hopes to make the creek trail “a more beautiful, inviting and safe place.”
“We’re hoping business owners and residents will start to turn toward the creek trail because there are so many opportunities for the community to take ownership and invest their time and attention to ensuring that it stays that way,” Axelrod said.
The project will also include new murals along the concrete channel lining Escondido Creek, commissioned through the city’s public art program in collaboration with the Escondido Community Foundation. New mural art will also be featured in the Neighborhood Healthcare building facing the trail.
“There’s going to be so many opportunities for amazing art along the trail,” Axelrod added.
Mayor Dane White, who occasionally walks home from City Council meetings via the trail, welcomed the news about improved lighting.
“There’s a couple sections where it’s pretty scary,” White said.
City staff anticipate that construction on the trail improvements will be completed by September 2025.
