Swimming Pools Forming at New Aquatic Center at Alga Norte Park

The rectangular shapes of two new swimming pools are clearly visible now as construction crews finish digging the site of Carlsbad’s new aquatic center at Alga Norte Community Park.

Residents who want to check the progress for themselves can watch three new construction webcams that went live this week. 

“A lot of the initial work has been grading and underground utilities, so it’s exciting to see the pools and the rest of the park taking shape,” said Patrick McGarry, civic projects manager for the City of Carlsbad. “Over the coming months, some of the more prominent parts of the park will become recognizable.”

The 32-acre Alga Norte Community Park, which will include pools, ball fields, basketball courts, a skate park, a dog park, a new playground and other amenities that support a healthy outdoor lifestyle for Carlsbad residents, is located at the corner of Poinsettia Lane and Alicante Road, just east of El Camino Real.

Walkers and joggers in the neighborhood can see the construction progress in person by peeking in several “portholes” cut into the construction fencing. The city installed the portholes at adult height and kid height.

The aquatic center is the first major park element to get started. The skate park and playground areas will get underway next, followed by the dog park, ball fields and park buildings. The park officially broke ground in June. The approved park design includes:

• A 56-meter “Olympic sized” competition pool with viewing bleachers
• A 25-yard, 12-lane swim instruction pool
• A 10 by 25 foot spa with jets
• A 22-foot diameter 6 inch deep kids pool
• A “spray-ground” play area for young children
• Three lighted softball/baseball fields
• One lighted full basketball court and one half court
• Picnic areas with barbecues
• Playground with 100 percent universally accessible play equipment
• An off-leash dog park divided into areas for larger and smaller dogs, including obstacle course-type play equipment 
• A lighted skate park that will include a "street course" section, an area with challenging elements for more skilled skateboarders and a beginners’ area

The total budget for this phase of the park’s design and construction is $40 million. T.B. Penick & Sons is the general contractor. Kitchell is handling construction management and Wimmer, Yamada and Caughey is overseeing design compliance. 

–City of Carlsbad