Encinitas residents urge city council to preserve Quail Gardens as parkland

The City of Encinitas held a significant council meeting on December 18, 2024, focusing on the future of the L7 parcel, also known as Quail Gardens Park. This discussion comes amid ongoing debates about balancing the need for parkland with the pressing demand for affordable housing in the area.

Residents voiced strong opinions regarding the designation of the L7 site. One resident, who offered $100,000 for naming rights to honor his late wife, emphasized the importance of preserving open spaces as the city’s population grows. He argued that Encinitas should not sacrifice its parks for high-density housing developments, which he believes contradicts the city’s character.

Jim Stuyven, another resident, raised concerns about the council's consideration to downzone the L7 parcel from residential to public use. He pointed out that the council had previously appointed an affordable housing task force to evaluate potential sites for affordable housing, and he urged the council to complete that evaluation before making any decisions about L7. Stuyven warned that prematurely downzoning could eliminate one of the few sites identified for affordable housing without fully exploring other options.

Bob Kent echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing while advocating for a balanced approach that does not compromise parkland. He noted the high cost of living in Encinitas, where median rents are unaffordable for many residents, particularly seniors and low-income workers. Kent called for a review of the affordable housing task force's findings and a discussion on next steps once the council is fully constituted.

Elena Thompson, a former member of the affordable housing task force, clarified that the task force had deemed the L7 site unsuitable for affordable housing, suggesting that the focus should remain on developing it as a park. She cited unanimous support from the Parks and Recreation Commission for this designation and urged the council to protect the site for future generations.

Support for preserving the L7 site as parkland was further reinforced by community members, including Oliver Pratt, a young resident who has actively raised funds for park development. His mother, Jessica Pratt, emphasized that advocating for parks does not negate the need for affordable housing, but rather highlights the necessity of thoughtful planning for both.

The meeting concluded with a strong consensus among speakers advocating for the preservation of Quail Gardens Park as a vital community resource. The council is expected to deliberate on the future of the L7 parcel, weighing the community's desire for parkland against the ongoing housing crisis. As discussions continue, the city faces the challenge of finding a sustainable balance between development and maintaining essential green spaces for its residents.