San Marcos’ Montiel Park improvements to begin next month

SAN MARCOS — Construction on Montiel Park, located off Nordahl Road, is scheduled to break ground this fall. 

The San Marcos City Council unanimously approved funding for the $460,000 Montiel Park Enhancement project at its meeting last week.

The project received combined funding from a state Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Grant, a Community Development Block Grant and a contribution from the San Diego Gas and Electric “Right Tree, Right Place” program.

The state grant was awarded to the city to help alleviate environmental impacts caused by the widening of the Interstate 15 westbound onramp to state Route 78 last year.

Community Services Director Buck Martin said many trees had to be removed to make room for the ramp. To fulfill the grant’s obligations, approximately 120 new trees and 4,000 large shrubs will be planted at the 14-acre park.

“The plantings will add more visual interest to the existing park site which will hopefully attract more foot traffic and complement the disc golf areas,” said Jenny Windle, communications and economic development programs manager.

The new improvements will require more maintenance, but also address some of the annual erosion control issues the park experiences during the rainy season.

Windle said additional drainage improvement structures are in the works and the plants themselves will enhance soil stability.

Martin said other enhancements include a park kiosk, interpretive signage that identifies various plantings, and lodge pole and rope handrails additions to the current roughly defined walking paths.

The disc golf area, located on the upper portion of the site, will be closed during construction, but the dog park and basketball court will remain open.

The park improvement project will begin in September and is anticipated to be completed by late November or early December.