Why this matters

Public parks serve as vital community spaces. What happens when residents disagree on their best use?

Melissa Petri frequently strolls through Kit Carson Park for personal reflection. She and fellow resident Brenda Townsend view the regional park as more than recreation space. It offers residents an escape from urban activity and supports sports that appeal to Escondido's varied population.

They expressed surprise upon learning the city had agreed to replace softball fields with a private ice rink. Townsend noted the community's focus on soccer, baseball and softball, adding that ice sports seem mismatched for a desert setting and could strain resources.

The pair joined others in forming Save Kit Carson Park to oppose the City Council decision they describe as unexpected. What leaders saw as a chance for new activities and growth has sparked opposition from residents concerned about losing public space to a costly pursuit.

Petri emphasized shared community history and the need to protect current park users along with green areas. No council members or the mayor replied to questions on their positions.

An agreement years in the making

On June 3 the City Council approved a non-binding memorandum with the Irvine-based Rinks Foundation, which runs multiple skating sites across Southern California. The document allows exploration of a three-rink arena with seating for 2,000 to 3,000 spectators, and a lease could be considered later in the summer.

The foundation, established by San Diego Gulls and Anaheim Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli, would cover building, operation and upkeep costs. The Gulls would practice there, and it would host the San Diego Jr. Gulls along with select high school games.

Foundation president Aaron Teats highlighted the project's potential to meet rising demand for youth and adult programs in north county while drawing many visitors each year. The proposed 25-year lease includes five renewal options of five years each, after which ownership returns to the city. Annual payments to the city could reach 187,500 dollars, plus 4 million dollars toward relocating the softball fields.

More than a dozen speakers, including skaters and hockey players, voiced support at the June 3 meeting. Teen figure skater Jessie Chen welcomed the return of local ice access after the prior facility closed in 2020. Others endorsed the concept but opposed any loss of parkland.

Council members expressed support yet voiced worries over fairness and access during the vote.

Accessibility issues

Escondido acquired the 285-acre Kit Carson Park in 1967. One hundred acres are developed while 185 remain natural habitat, featuring an amphitheater, sculpture garden, sports center and disc golf course.

Former parks director Don Anderson said he was surprised by the ice rink idea. He served the city for 38 years until 2007 and noted that past proposals to alter the softball fields were rejected in favor of existing uses. Anderson warned that an ice facility would affect more than the fields and could impact the park's overall balance.

With a median household income below 92,000 dollars and a 12 percent poverty rate, critics question whether ice sports would be affordable. Deputy City Manager Joanna Axelrod acknowledged the expense of equipment and travel but pointed to planned public sessions, beginner programs and school partnerships that could broaden participation.

Looking forward

Residents anticipate a conditional lease reaching the council this summer. Axelrod described the project as conceptual and open to input. The matter may draw added attention ahead of November elections for mayor and council seats.

Petri cited limited transparency, noting talks began in 2023 while the public first heard details in June. Two community meetings followed. Save Kit Carson Park members do not oppose ice rinks outright but seek a different site.

City Attorney Mike McGuinness cited legal limits on alternative locations, including requirements to prioritize housing on surplus land and long-term lease constraints at the Escondido Mall. Residents remain optimistic about finding a solution that avoids displacing current park activities.