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Monroe Street pool renovation, pickleball courts and other capital projects move forward; new park superintendent introduced
Summary
Parks staff told the City of Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Commission on May 19 that Monroe Street pool demolition has begun and is expected to reopen in summer 2026, that several park capital projects are advancing, and that the department has hired a new park superintendent.
Parks and Recreation staff on May 19 provided updates on a slate of capital-improvement projects and introduced the department’s new park superintendent.
Park Services Manager Todd Reese said the City Council awarded the Monroe Street pool construction project Jan. 14. The facility ceased operation on March 30; demolition began March 31 and staff “anticipate the pool to reopen in the summer of 2026.” Reese described planned features including new family restrooms, exterior entrance and locker rooms, additional north-side parking, replacement sports lighting, shade over bleachers and solar hot-water heating.
Reese said the Veterans Memorial Park consultant team is finalizing plans and staff expect to return to council later this year with plans, specifications and authorization to bid. He reported pickleball projects are near complete on construction documents—Calavera Hills and Stagecoach Community Park each will have four courts—and staff expect to seek council approval to bid later this year.
Reese outlined other upcoming projects: synthetic turf replacements scoped for Poinsettia Park, Pine Community Park, Aviara Community Park and Alga Norte; a master-plan scoping budget request for Leo Carrillo Ranch Phase 3B; and a $1.5 million request to scope and design a Business Park recreational facility (Zone 5 Park). He also described a new “major maintenance CIP” funding source the department is using to address deferred maintenance, reporting roughly $2,000,000 currently available and a request for an additional $1,800,000.
Reese introduced Roger Haublak, the department’s newly hired park superintendent, describing his primary duties as daily management of in-house and contractual maintenance across parks, medians, trails, beach accesses, community gardens, street trees and urban forest. Reese summarized Haublak’s background, citing more than 30 years in land management and prior roles in San Angelo, Texas, and with Texas A&M and Angelo State University.
Reese also reported that Stagecoach Community Garden construction contract was awarded July 23, 2024; construction began Oct. 1, 2024, was completed late March 2025 and the ribbon cutting occurred April 14, 2025. New garden features include ADA raised beds, keypad gate locks and soil made from city compost.
Commissioners asked procedural and scheduling questions; Director Lancaster noted the preliminary city budget will go to council for review the day after this meeting and the council will consider budget adoption on June 17. Staff said Parks and Recreation will provide additional details on projects in upcoming commission briefings and in budget materials.
