ESCONDIDO — The city recently broke ground on the Escondido Creek Trail project, an initiative that aims to improve the multi-use path’s safety, accessibility and appeal for users.
The Jan. 29 groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction for the project.
Deputy City Manager Joanna Axelrod, who is leading the project, said the groundbreaking also represented “a major step forward for Escondido.”
“This project not only enhances our trail system but also strengthens our community by connecting people to the places they live, work and enjoy,” Axelrod said. “This vision is more than a decade in the making, and we’re proud to bring it to life for our residents, business owners and visitors.”
The Escondido Creek Trail project will revitalize approximately 4.5 miles of the existing trail system, making it safer, more accessible and attractive.
Project benefits include:
- New activities and community partnerships along the trail,
- A “beautified corridor” with artistic designs and native landscaping,
- Better signage and easier access to local businesses along the trail,
- New sections of decomposed granite trail to help separate wheeled and non-wheeled users
- More lighting to brighten and increase safety along the trail, and
- An improved, more cohesive, overall look to the trail.
According to the city, the project aligns with its broader goals of promoting health, improving infrastructure and building community pride.
In August, the City Council approved an $11.8 million construction agreement with Tri-Group Construction and a $1.1 million construction management consulting agreement with T.Y. Lin International to complete the Escondido Creek Trail Project.
The project is funded by a mix of local, state and federal dollars, which include an $8.5 million Proposition 68 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program grant.
“The Statewide Park Program intends to create new parks and recreation opportunities in critically underserved communities across California,” shared Richard Rendón, chief of the Office of Grants and Local Services for California State Parks. “Having access to outdoor spaces is critical for all Californians and this project will contribute to the quality of life for many people in Escondido who seek local parks to improve their physical, mental, and social well-being.”
The project is also funded by a $3.5 million Clean California local grant, $2.2 million in pandemic relief funding the city received through the American Rescue Plan Act, and $3.6 million in TransNet San Diego funds.
“Caltrans is proud to partner with the city of Escondido on this project,” said Victor Mercado, North Coast Corridor director for Caltrans. “These community-driven projects are beautifying neighborhoods, creating multi-modal opportunities, making critical infrastructure improvements, increasing accessibility, and, of course, enhancing safety.”
The project is expected to be completed by late 2025.
