FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Alga Norte Community Park and Aquatic Center
- Why did the City decide to redesign the aquatic center?
- When will construction start on the park and aquatic center?
- Could the City start building the park now while it is waiting for the aquatic center to be redesigned?
- Who can use the park and aquatic center?
- Will there be a fee to use the park and aquatic center facilities?
- What park facilities are designed for families with young children?
- What park facilities are designed for older children and teenagers?
Why did the City decide to redesign the aquatic center?
With growing concerns about the economy, the City Council decided the most responsible thing to do was to scale back plans for the aquatic center while still providing the facilities that are the highest priority for the community.
When will construction start on the park and aquatic center?
Construction could start as soon as early 2009. It is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete.
Could the City start building the park now while it is waiting for the aquatic center to be redesigned?
To make the most of its resources, the City has decided to bid this project as one job. It is much more cost effective to build the park and aquatic center all at once.
Who can use the park and aquatic center?
Both facilities will be open to Carlsbad residents and non-residents. The Aquatic Center will have reduced rates for residents of Carlsbad. Some of the pool facilities and ball fields will be reserved for practice and games by schools and organized youth sports at specific times.
Will there be a fee to use the park and aquatic center facilities?
That decision has not been made yet. Any fees will be determined and set by the City Council with input from the public.
What park facilities are designed for families with young children?
The park will have picnic areas, walking paths, tot lot playgrounds and swimming pools geared specifically for families with young children. The special event lawn area will accommodate families enjoying music and other outdoor performances.
What park facilities are designed for older children and teenagers?
Many park and aquatic center facilities will attract active older children and teenagers. Softball and baseball fields with batting cages, lighted basketball courts and the state-of-the-art skate park will be popular areas of the park. The aquatic center’s training and instructional swimming pools are designed to meet the swim and recreation needs of older children. Bicycle paths and the off-leash dog park can provide recreational activities for parents with their older children.
Alga Norte top buttons
Alga Norte Community Park and Aquatic Center
Alga Norte Park and Aquatic Center is a 32-acre park in southeast Carlsbad. The site is located east of El Camino Real, bordered on the south by Poinsettia Lane and on the east by Alicante Road. The approved Master Plan includes baseball fields, a dog park, a skate park, a tot lot, basketball half courts, open space, a trail system and an aquatic center. Plans for the aquatic center include a competition pool, a 12-lane instruction pool, a therapy pool and a tot wet play area for children.
Click here to see the Planning Department’s detailed description
Current Status
Carlsbad City Council voted 4-1 to defer re-advertising Alga Norte Community Park construction bids at the Tuesday, July 22 City Council meeting. The decision was based on the uncertain economy and the state’s unresolved $22 billion budget deficit.
Council expressed concern about proceeding with park plans in the current economic environment and about how the plans would affect the City’s conservative financial planning. Staff was directed to return to Council once the state’s budget issues are resolved and new economic data become available. Staff was also directed to look into other business models and operating agreements that would reduce operating costs of the facility.
The 32-acre park site is located at Poinsettia Lane and Alicante Road in the southeastern portion of the City. Park plans include three baseball fields, basketball courts, a skate park, a dog park, a playground, an Olympic-size pool, instructional and therapy pools and a wet play area for children.
At its Feb. 26, 2008, meeting the City Council discussed how to best move forward with the project, given growing concerns about the economy. After reviewing the options and listening to comments from the community, the City Council approved a redesign of the aquatic center that would eliminate the “moving river,” pool slides and wet-play structure. The elements most important to the community, a competition pool, an instructional pool, a therapy pool and a play area for children, will remain part of the project. The redesign may reduce the project cost. The redesign was completed in July 2008. The City is considering soliciting bids.
