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Carlsbad council adopts Robertson Ranch master plan recommendation; debate over synthetic turf and funding timing
Summary
Council approved the recommended Robertson Ranch Park master plan and directed staff to pursue environmental permitting and entitlements, with an estimated conceptual construction cost of about $30 million; council discussed synthetic turf alternatives and the timing of a potential Prop H vote, and Council member Luna recused herself from the vote due to a property conflict.
The City Council adopted a resolution approving the recommended Robertson Ranch Park master plan concept and directed staff to proceed with environmental permitting and entitlements. The recommended plan covers an 11.2‑acre park with multigenerational amenities including a multiuse sports field with a running track, a central plaza with traditional and nature‑based play, a splash pad, pickleball courts, a community garden, additional entrances for circulation and bioswales for stormwater management.
Staff described a multi‑phase community engagement process over about 14 months, presenting three concept options and incorporating resident feedback; staff said concepts 1 and 3 had the most community support and that the recommended plan blends elements of both. Staff noted the master plan is conceptual (not plans and specifications) and estimated a high‑level construction budget of approximately $30 million (based on roughly $2.5 million per acre), with additional allowances for construction management, contingency and staff time.
During public comment, resident Vanessa Forsyth asked council to avoid synthetic turf and pour‑in‑place surfacing, citing concerns about lifecycle disposal and potential environmental impacts, and urged use of native plantings. Council members asked staff whether permitting and entitlements would lock in synthetic materials; staff said environmental review would reference synthetic materials but that the council could direct natural materials when approving final plans and specifications later in the process.
Council discussed funding sources including park‑in‑lieu fees, the public facilities fee fund and general fund reserves, and whether a Prop H vote should precede substantial pre‑construction expenditures. Staff said grants are unlikely until the project is shovel ready and that a Prop H vote is typically held after final plans are developed. The motion to approve the recommended master plan passed unanimously with Council member Luna recusing herself due to a property adjacency.
