Concept image of Carlsbad Veterans Memorial Park (Photo: City of Carlsbad)
Carlsbad broke ground this July on a project many residents thought might never leave the drawing board. 10News reported the effort followed nearly 20 years of planning, and The Coast News reported that city council members formally signed off on the concept plan for the 93.7-acre Veterans Memorial Park in February 2021. The July 6 ceremony was the moment all that planning finally became something visitors could walk through.
City officials joined Veterans, community members, and state and federal representatives near Faraday Avenue and Cannon Road to celebrate the start of what will become Carlsbad’s largest community park. The event was scheduled to coincide with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Mayor Keith Blackburn was upfront about how long the road had been. Speaking with KPBS Public Media, he said the conversation about the park started roughly ten years ago, joking that in government, nothing tends to move quickly. He estimated the community could be enjoying a finished park within about two years.
Councilmember Kevin Shin, who represents the district and is himself a Marine Corps Veteran, told The Coast News at the ceremony that he got emotional watching the groundbreaking happen.
The site itself, just under 94 acres, will be split into north and south sections linked by trails and open space. More than half the property will stay untouched as protected habitat. Once complete, the park is set to include a bike park, playgrounds, picnic areas, outdoor fitness zones, and connections to the city’s trail network. The layout includes two parking lots, each with designated drop-off spots and electric vehicle charging stations.
At the heart of the park will be the Veterans Memorial Plaza, featuring six panels honoring each branch of the U.S. military, along with bronze mottos, a flagpole, and seating. On the site’s high point, visitors will find a public art piece called “The Ring.” Parks Planning Manager Nick Stupin told KPBS the sculpture is designed to frame views of Agua Hedionda Lagoon and represent unity among the service branches. The piece comes from Napa-based Gordon Huether Studio.
Combined with related roadwork along Faraday Avenue, the total cost is estimated at nearly $58 million, California Construction News reported. The outlet found that U.S. Rep. Mike Levin (D-49) secured a $3 million federal HUD grant, while Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-77) secured $5 million from the California Natural Resources Agency. Most funding is coming through developer fees and grants rather than the city’s general fund.
BrightView announced it was awarded the construction contract and is expected to spend the next two years turning the vacant land into what officials hope becomes a landmark gathering place, built for both reflection and recreation. City officials are targeting a late 2027 opening.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
