Council approves conveyance of Ensign (Car Lake) Park from Big Sur Land Trust to city for public park use

The Salinas City Council on Feb. 25 approved a conveyance agreement allowing the Big Sur Land Trust to transfer approximately 73 acres known as the Car Lake (Ensign Park) project to the city for permanent public park use.

City staff described the project as a multi‑phased transfer and development. Phase 1 includes a six‑acre neighborhood park, a front house and a water well; Phase 1 must be conveyed to the city by March 2025. Phase 2 consists of restoration work on an additional roughly 67 acres; construction of the restoration area is expected to begin in spring 2025 and open to the public by spring 2026.

Under the conveyance agreement the Big Sur Land Trust will transfer the property to the city at no cost and is responsible for completing both phase 1 and phase 2 improvements. The front house will be deed restricted for use as moderate‑workforce affordable housing; a second, “back” house will be restricted to park‑related uses such as storage, maintenance or a community meeting space. The trust will retain access to the park during Phase 2 work, may hold up to four events per year and will be allowed certain naming‑rights and public‑art installations.

The city determined the action was consistent with the general plan and noted an initial study and mitigated negative declaration adopted in September 2021. The Library and Community Services Commission had previously voted unanimously to recommend approval.

Why it matters: The transfer adds roughly 73 acres to the city park system, which staff said helps address the city’s park‑acreage shortfall and provides new environmental and recreation resources for residents. The conveyance also creates a long‑term management responsibility for the city, including maintenance and staffing needs tied to the expanded acreage.

Comments and financing: Representatives of the Big Sur Land Trust and community groups spoke in favor of the transfer at the meeting; the land trust’s CEO said the project represents more than $35 million of investment and that much of the project is grant‑funded. City staff said the park was the result of long‑term community engagement dating to 2008 and will be managed in partnership with community stakeholders and a proposed Friends of Ensign/Car Lake Park group.

Council action: The council voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to execute the conveyance agreement and accept the Car Lake/Ensign Park property for public park use. Staff said a plan to address ongoing maintenance needs would be brought back to council, and they described early steps including modifying landscape maintenance contracts and one near‑term park‑maintenance hire already approved by the council.