Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Del Mar Fairgrounds Master Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Del Mar Fairgrounds officials outline ‘Fairgrounds 2050’ master‑planning and countywide outreach at San Marcos council meeting
Summary
Representatives for the 22nd District Agricultural Association briefed the San Marcos City Council on Fairgrounds 2050, a master planning effort and countywide outreach to develop a long‑term vision for the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The presentation described a listening phase, a planned international design competition and a future CEQA review; the
Representatives of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds, presented the Fairgrounds 2050 master‑planning effort to the San Marcos City Council on Tuesday and asked for public participation in an outreach process.
Zack Macquarie of Southwest Strategies, speaking on behalf of the district, said the site includes roughly 324 acres across the main fairgrounds campus, Surf & Turf Park and a horse park, and that the district does not receive general taxpayer funding but is self‑funded through event revenues. Macquarie said the fairgrounds host marquee events — the San Diego County Fair, horse racing and a concert venue called the ’Sound at Surfside’ — and estimated the district’s events create about $682,000,000 in regional economic impact.
Macquarie described Fairgrounds 2050 as a multi‑phase process that is now in a “listening” phase. The outreach plan includes a statistically significant countywide survey, a pro‑bono technical advisory coalition, public workshops organized by supervisorial district and targeted outreach to all 18 cities and county boards. Macquarie said the process will move from listening to a design competition phase and, after a preferred vision is selected, to an environmental review under CEQA.
Council members asked practical questions about the county fair and ticket availability; the presenter said tickets are available at broad retail outlets including Ralph’s and Costco as well as online and that senior ticket deals are available. Macquarie highlighted the fair’s current theme and programming, noting the fair runs through July 6 and includes season passes and a 20‑night concert series.
Macquarie encouraged residents to visit the project page and to take the online survey; he provided a URL and a QR code to the outreach materials and survey. The presentation did not seek or require city action; it was informational and intended to solicit community input for the ongoing master‑planning process.
