Carlsbad seeks bids for Veterans Memorial Park
Carlsbad has opened the door to construction for its largest park yet: a 94-acre Veterans Memorial Park along Faraday Avenue. City leaders authorized advertising for bids as they move toward awarding a contract this winter and beginning work next year.
What the project includes
The new Veterans Memorial Park will combine developed recreation areas with a substantial nature preserve. Key features announced by the city include:
- 94 acres total, with about 39 acres planned for development and more than half preserved as natural open space.
- The city’s first family bike park, featuring jumps, a pump track and a slalom course designed with community input and groups such as the San Diego Mountain Biking Association.
- A memorial plaza honoring the six branches of military service, plus playgrounds, fitness areas, public art, gardens, parking and restrooms.
- Trails that loop through the park and connect to The Crossings municipal golf course and neighboring communities.
- Road improvements on Faraday Avenue, including enhanced bike lanes and turn lanes at park driveways.
Context and financing
The land along Faraday Avenue east of Cannon Road has been city-owned since at least the 1980s and was part of a larger 400-acre parcel developed over time. The City Council approved a master plan for the park in 2022, and in July 2024 it contracted Romtec, Inc. to supply three pre-engineered buildings for restrooms, offices and storage.
City officials estimate the project will cost about $51 million. Most funding comes from developer fees collected in a community facilities district established in 1991. About $8 million has come from state and federal grants, reducing the upfront burden on the city.
Procurement and timeline
Carlsbad advertised pre-qualifications in June and received eight responses; five firms were found eligible to bid: BrightView Landscape Development, Clark Construction Group California, Edwards Construction Group, Hazard Construction Engineering and Los Angeles Engineering. The city expects to award the construction contract in December, with work potentially starting next year.
Why it matters for Carlsbad
SANDAG has identified the site as a regional open-space park, meaning it will serve people of all ages and abilities across North County. The park fills several local needs at once: expanded passive habitat, new recreation for families and riders, and trail connections that improve non-vehicular access across the area.
Councilmembers described the park as a community asset that will offer scenic views of Agua Hedionda Lagoon and the Pacific, protect open space and provide a destination that complements nearby facilities like The Crossings golf course.
Implications and potential challenges
Construction of a park this size requires coordination on traffic, noise and habitat protection. The project includes roadway upgrades on Faraday to manage access and improve safety for cyclists and drivers. Public engagement shaped the bike-park layout, which should reduce later design conflicts, but construction costs and scheduling remain factors to watch.
| Feature | Veterans Memorial Park | Typical Carlsbad city park |
|---|---|---|
| Total acreage | 94 acres | 10–30 acres |
| Developed area | ~39 acres | All or most |
| Signature amenities | Family bike park, memorial plaza, trails | Playground, sports fields |
| Estimated cost | $51 million | $1–10 million |
What to watch next
Key dates and checkpoints for residents and stakeholders:
- December: expected award of the construction contract.
- Next year: potential start of construction activities and phased site work.
- Ongoing: permit reviews, final design details for the bike park, and scheduling for the Romtec pre-engineered buildings.
If you ride locally or use regional trails, watch for community meetings and construction notices from the city so you can comment on trail connections, staging areas and temporary closures.
FAQs
- Where is the park located?
The site is along the north side of Faraday Avenue east of Cannon Road, overlooking Agua Hedionda Lagoon. - When will construction start?
The city plans to award the contract in December; work could begin next year pending contractor scheduling and permits. - How will the park be funded?
About $51 million is needed; most funding comes from developer fees held in a community facilities district, plus roughly $8 million in state and federal grants. - What will the bike park include?
Designs call for family-friendly features: jumps, a pump track and a slalom course developed with community and mountain biking groups. - Will the park preserve habitat?
Yes—more than half of the 94 acres will be managed as a nature preserve with trails and passive open space.
Practical takeaway: expect public notices and community meetings as the city finalizes the construction contract in December—sign up for Carlsbad park updates if you want early notice on trail access, bike-park programming and opening phases.
Carlsbad Seeks Bids for Veterans Memorial Park
