MEETING DATE:
July 8, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-9470- NAMING OF THE COMMUNITY PARK IN THE NORTH CITY WEST AREA OF THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT SPECIFIC PLAN
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
APPROVE the name of the park to be located in the North City west area of the University District Specific Plan with one of the four recommended names from the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Body
Board or Commission Action
The Parks & Recreation Commission met on June 18th, 2025, and approved four names to be recommended to the City Council, by way of a 7-0 vote. Staff recommends Council choose one of these names for the referenced municipal facility.
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Quality of Life
Executive Summary
Resolution No. 2024-9370 established a naming policy that outlines the process for naming City facilities and locations. It provides that applications may be submitted to the Parks & Recreation Commission for consideration, with the Commission’s recommendation being forwarded thereafter to the City Council. A new City community park will be constructed on the vacant 16.5-acre site within the North City west area of the University District Specific Plan, located north of Discovery Street, west of Twin Oaks Valley Road and south of North City Drive. This park currently has a placeholder reference, and requires an official Council-approved name. The proposed Resolution will formally name the park as described above.
Discussion
In April and May of 2025, the City of San Marcos sought community input on the naming of the new park located in the North City development area. Community members were invited to submit their recommendations directly to the Parks & Recreation Commission through the City’s website. The Parks & Recreation Commission established a sub-committee at the May 21st meeting to further review and discuss the applications. The sub-committee consisted of Commissioners Mockus-Valenzuela, Prestininzi, and Smith, who reviewed 26 submissions.
This item was included on the June 18th Parks & Recreation Commission agenda and was acted upon by the Commission. Following discussion, the Commission voted to advance the following four recommended park names-listed in alphabetical order-for City Council consideration:
• Cascade Hills Park
• Hillside Park
• Horizon Hills Park
• Sky View Park
The proposed naming of the municipal facility after geographic location or municipal heritage is consistent with the City Council Policy on the naming of municipal facilities.
Environmental Review
The proposed action does not constitute a “project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Sections 15000 - 15387), and is therefore not subject to environmental review pursuant to Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3).
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to the City with respect to the proposed action. Any expenses related to the construction and design of the park are privately funded under Site Development Plan number SDP22-0008.
Attachment(s)
1. City Council Policy - Naming of Municipal Facilities
2. Resolution
3. Parks & Recreation Commission Park Naming Sub-Committee Report
Prepared by: Evelyn Slay, Senior Management Analyst
Submitted by: Evelyn Slay, Senior Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Andrea Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation
Reviewed by: Darren Chamow, Acting Director of Parks and Recreation
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager