ESCONDIDO — The proposed three-sheet ice rink in Escondido is the subject of intense debate over recreation, development and public park space.
In June, the city of Escondido announced a proposal for the 14-acre ice complex at Kit Carson Park by the Rinks Foundation, whose chairman owns the Anaheim Ducks and San Diego Gulls. Rinks would lease the land from the city and pay $4 million to relocate four adult softball fields to Ryan Park.
But for some, such as Brenda Townsend, The Friends of Kit Carson Park, and Save Kit Carson Park, the proposal is out of sync with what some residents want and jeopardizes the park. In short, great opportunity, wrong location.
The City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the foundation on June 3, which allows the nonprofit to begin the process of conducting environmental reviews and explore the feasibility of the proposal. The council did not approve the project for construction, although the project is expected to come before the Planning Commission and City Council in late next year or early 2028, according to the city’s website.
