Project Description

The Escondido Sports Center is located approximately 1/2 mile east of Interstate 15 in Kit Carson Park. This 5-acre facility is an addition to the existing 300-acre regional park, and adds a new dimension to the amphitheater, softball, soccer and baseball fields, tennis center, hiking trails, picnic areas, arboretum and play areas already provided.

Phase One of the Sports Center, completed in November 1997, included one 85' x 185' roller hockey arena, one 85' x 185' soccer arena, a 20,000 sq. ft. skate park, operations building with pro shop, concession area, restrooms, changing areas, storage offices, 91 new parking spaces, and lighting throughout the area. Construction cost for Phase One was budgeted at $2 million. Phase Two, completed in September 2000, added one 85' x 185' hockey arena, one 50' x 90' soccer arena, and additional parking. Phase Three, completed in November 2003, added two roofs over the hockey arenas and state of the art solid tile flooring for each rink.

Project Development

In early 1994, the Community Services Department was approached by a group of community members interested in finding a place to play arena soccer and roller hockey. Staff approached the Community Services Commission about providing these facilities within a city park after receiving community input. Upon review, the City Council supported the concept and in response to requests from local skateboarders directed staff to include a skate park within the complex. Positive feedback from a feasibility study prepared by Economic Research Associates prompted the City to move forward with the project.

Staff and the Commission reviewed vacant parklands looking for a suitable site for this project. Kit Carson Regional Park was selected as the ideal location. An amendment to the Park Master Plan followed to include the project, and final plans were prepared.

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