Park planning process

When developing a new park, the City of Carlsbad follows laws and policies spelled out in various city planning documents and completes state-required environmental analysis. 

Develop recommended park master plan
The city works with the community to develop a recommended master plan, which includes the general uses and features of the park and their approximate location within the park boundary. The recommended park master plan is presented to the city’s Parks & Recreation Commission, which advises the City Council about its approval. The City Council ultimately votes to approve the recommended master plan.

Develop detailed park design and permitting
The city uses the recommended park master plan to fill in the details of the park’s design, including grading, drainage, electrical systems, irrigation and other important infrastructure. As the detailed designs progress, the city completes an environmental review and applies for various permits required to build the park.

Then, the Planning Commission reviews the design and environmental documents and considers issuing the permits within its authority, to ensure city standards are met. After that, the city’s Parks & Recreation Commission reviews the draft final master plan and advises the City Council about its approval. The City Council ultimately votes to approve the park’s final master plan and authorizes city staff to prepare the project for construction. 

Develop cost estimate
Once the construction plans and specifications have been completed, the city can develop a more precise cost estimate. Staff returns to the City Council with the construction plans and specifications and final cost estimate for authorization to put the project out to bid.

Construction
Once the bidding process is complete, the city chooses a contractor to build the park, develops a construction schedule and oversees the construction of the park.