San Marcos...More Like San Parkos

In 1980, the City of San Marcos made a pledge: for every 1000 residents they would have five acres of parkland. Over the past 28 years, the population of San Marcos has swelled to more than 80,000, four times the number of residents in 1980. Yet, despite the massive growth, the city isn’t playing around; they are spending millions of dollars trying to meet that goal, which would add up to about 400 acres of parkland within city limits.

On August 21, officials broke ground on the newest of the city’s parks — Sunset Park, 19 acres designated for the area near La Mirada Drive and Poinsettia Avenue. It's scheduled for completion by fall of 2009.

According to the press release, the park will feature “[A] lighted soccer field, one lighted artificial turf soccer arena, an “off‐leash” dog area, a water-play splash pad, playground equipment, volleyball and basketball courts, picnicking areas, a caretaker residence, disc golf course and walking trails.”

The cost for the park is estimated at $12.7 million, $1 million of which coming from a grant; the rest will be funded with “redevelopment monies.” In October, the City plans to finish the 30-acre Hollandia Park, which features a 7200-square-foot skate park, which cost the city another $13 million.

Some of the other new parks planned for San Marcos include Double Peak Regional Park — a 200-acre nature park — South Lake Park, another 54 acres. And don’t forget about the 31‐acre expansion of Discovery Lake, which will total just over 300 acres of parkland.

To find San Marcos city hall, drive through the hundreds of acres of parkland to 1 Civic Center Drive or, visit the city’s website at ci.san-marcos.ca.us. To find a park proceed in any direction within San Marcos city limits, you’ll be sure to find one in no time!