Veterans Memorial Park plans move forward in Carlsbad

CARLSBAD, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- After years of planning, efforts to build a community park in honor of veterans in North County are moving forward.

Earlier this week, the Carlsbad City Council adopted construction plans for Veterans Memorial Park, which will be the city's largest community park once it is completed.

The park will be located on a 93.7-acre site near Faraday Avenue and Cannon Road.

Plans for the park include a Veterans Memorial Plaza with six panels honoring each branch of the military, a flagpole, public art, picnic areas and family gathering spaces.

It will also include a bike park, outdoor fitness areas and connections to the citywide trail network, the city said.

More than half of the site is designated as protected habitat preserve areas and will not be developed, city officials stated. The rest of the park will have trails and overlooks providing panoramic views of the Pacific coastline and Aqua Hedionda Lagoon.

Road improvements along Faraday Avenue are also part of the park project, according to the city. It will have new left-turn lanes at the park's two driveways and updated striping to enhance road safety for bicyclists and drivers.

The next step is for the City Clerk to put the project out to bid. City staff will then return to the city council for approval of a construction contract by the end of this year.

Construction on the Veterans Memorial Park is expected to begin early next year.