On Tuesday, the Carlsbad City Council adopted construction plans and specifications for Veterans Memorial Park and authorized the City Clerk to put the project out to bid. This marks one of the final steps before construction begins on what will be Carlsbad’s largest community park.

Located on 93.7 acres near Faraday Avenue and Cannon Road, Veterans Memorial Park has been years in the making. More than half the site is designated as protected habitat preserve areas and will not be developed. The remainder of the park will have trails and overlooks with panoramic views of the coastline and Agua Hedionda Lagoon.

To improve access to the future park, a companion project includes road improvements along Faraday Avenue. The plan adds new left-turn lanes at the park’s two driveways and updated striping to enhance safety for drivers and bicyclists.

When complete, the park will offer a mix of quiet reflection areas, family gathering spaces and opportunities to get outside and be active. Here’s a look at what’s planned:

• Veterans Memorial Plaza with six descriptive panels honoring each branch of the U.S. military, a flagpole, a small platform and perimeter seating
• Public art located separately on the upper plateau with panoramic views
• An inclusive playground and open recreational areas
• Picnic areas and family gathering spaces
• Bike park with nearby shaded plaza and spectator seating
• Outdoor fitness areas and a fitness climb to the upper plateau
• Buildings with restrooms and support space for community events
• Two parking lots with drop-off areas and electric vehicle charging stations
• Connections to the citywide trail network

The park’s design reflects years of community input and a vision to honor military service while creating a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.

The combined Veterans Memorial Park and Faraday Avenue Improvements projects are estimated to cost about $58 million. The city secured reimbursement agreements for $8 million in federal and state grant funding, including an agreement for $3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and an agreement for $5 million from the California Natural Resources Agency. Those project costs will be initially funded through the city’s Community Facilities District No. 1 Fund, and will be eligible for reimbursement from the federal and state governments based on the city’s fulfillment of the conditions of the agreements.

Next, the City Clerk will put the project out to bid and city staff will return to the City Council for approval of a construction contract by the end of this year. Once approved, construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and take about two years to complete.

Veterans Memorial Park will be a lasting tribute to those who served and a space for our community to gather, play and reflect.

More information
Veterans Memorial Park webpage
Oct. 21 City Council meeting recording
Oct. 21 City Council staff report
Construction plans, specifications and contract documents