Carlsbad Parks and Recreation department updates: Stagecoach garden, Alga Norte events, Monroe Pool renovation and pickleball courts

City of Carlsbad Parks and Recreation staff briefed the commission on program highlights and project timelines, including the near-complete Stagecoach Community Garden, summer events at Alga Norte Aquatic Center, a planned long-term renovation at Monroe Street Pool and design progress for outdoor pickleball courts at Calavera and Stagecoach Community Park.

Ashley Benson, Recreation Services Manager, said the department launched a new dry-land fitness class during the Alga Norte Aquatic Center closure so regular water-aerobics participants could continue meeting; staff reported about 15 participants in that pilot. Benson also promoted an Alga Norte family event, the Pirate Plunge, scheduled for March 29 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Todd Reese, Park Services Manager, updated commissioners on Stagecoach Community Garden construction. Reese said construction began Oct. 1, 2024, and the garden is expected to be complete “by the March,” with a tentative ribbon-cutting set for April 14 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Reese described raised beds, ADA-accessible pathways and a plot-assignment process to be managed with the Garden Collaborative; staff will host an orientation for new gardeners and later establish a garden committee.

Reese also reviewed other capital projects. Monroe Street Pool renovations follow a Jan. 14, 2025, City Council construction contract award; staff said March 30 will be the last day of public operations, the contractor will mobilize March 31, and the pool is expected to reopen in summer 2026. For outdoor pickleball courts, staff reported final concept plans and a consistency determination dated Feb. 26, 2025; the project will provide four courts at Calavera and four at Stagecoach and move next into construction-document preparation after the March 13 kickoff.

Staff also highlighted volunteer and program metrics. A Robertson Ranch East Trail volunteer event on Feb. 22 drew about 30 volunteers; the department listed a full calendar of trail volunteer dates for 2025. For seasonal programming, Benson reported 352 programs offered and about 2,350 participants in the spring season; summer registration opened March 12 with classes beginning June 9.

The commission also heard that Friends of the Leo Carrillo Ranch donated $10,000 to support a California History and Art field-trip program at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park; staff said the donation will enable more than 1,200 grade-school students in Carlsbad to attend the program free of charge and that acceptance of the donation will be on an upcoming City Council agenda.

Commissioners asked for follow-up metrics on year-over-year participation and revenue; Benson said she would provide additional registration and revenue comparisons after the meeting.

No formal commission votes were recorded on the projects during the update; staff requested the commission's awareness and invited commissioners to attend upcoming events and the Stagecoach garden ribbon cutting.