Work has begun on Volvo Co The city of Carlsbad broke ground on July 26, 2026, on a $57.2 million, 93.7-acre Veterans Memorial Park, kpbs.org reported.

BrightView Landscape Development is the contractor for the project, receiving a $39 million contract.

Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn said the moment was years in the making

"This park is so overdue," he said. "This was a discussion that started 10 years ago, where they say nothing happens quickly in government. I think within two years we're going to have a park to enjoy," he said.

The park will be the city's largest, as well as the first to honor the nation's veterans, according to kpbs.org.

"I got kind of emotional on this one," said Councilmember Kevin Shin, a Marine Corps veteran who represents the district housing the park. "To not just represent this area in District 2, but to represent all veterans in this park at the heart of my district is just something that I can't even measure with words," Shin said.

Plaza features will include:

• A flagpole and raised platform at center of plaza for educational presentations and veterans events;

• illuminated glass panels with images etched that could reflect different military branches and representation of different roles, genders and time periods;

• a nearby parking lot to make the area easily accessible;

• educational opportunities;

• seat walls to provide a place to sit and pay respects;

• several locations where commemorative plaques or elements honoring veterans could be integrated; and

• ornamental landscaping and trees to provide shade and add natural elements

Aside from the plaza, the park will feature the city's first bike park, a picnic area and a community gathering place.

"The park will be a great family-oriented design that will have an inclusive playground to other playgrounds, fitness areas (and) a great set of staircases," said Nick Stupin, Carlsbad's parks planning manager.

One of those staircases will feature, on top, a sculpture called "The Ring," which is framed to capture the view of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, according to kpbs.org.

"And then to help frame that view for that ring, we'll have some mounting along either edge of the ring," Stupin said. "That will really focus everyone's view right out to the lagoon."

The ring represents all the armed services branches and their sense of unity, he said, making it a place for quiet reflection, kpbs.org reported.

Construction is expected to be completed by July 2028.