Kit Carson Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kit Carson Park |
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|---|---|
| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Escondido, California |
| Area | 285 acres (115 ha) |
| Created | 1967 |
| Operated by | City of Escondido |
Kit Carson Park is a large city park in Escondido, California. It covers about 285 acres, which is like 285 football fields! The park is named after Christopher "Kit" Carson. He was a famous scout who helped guide Captain John C. Frémont on an important trip across the Sierra Nevada mountains long ago. The park is close to where a famous battle, the Battle of San Pasqual, happened. There's even a monument nearby to remember it.
Contents
Exploring Kit Carson Park's History
How the Park Began
The City of Escondido got the land for Kit Carson Park in 1967. They bought it from the City of San Diego. This park is the biggest regional park in Escondido.
About 100 acres of the park have been built up for fun activities. The other 185 acres are kept as natural areas. People often call Kit Carson Park the "city's recreation hub." It's a huge place for many different activities!
Fun at the Sports Center
A special Sports Center opened in the park in 1997. It has a big skate park that is 20,000 square feet. There's also a soccer arena and a place for inline hockey.
The Sports Center is becoming more eco-friendly. Solar panels are being added there. They are also being put near the softball fields. This project helps create clean energy for Escondido's city buildings.
The Unique Skate Park
The Skate Park at Kit Carson is special because it uses wooden ramps. Most skate parks use concrete. Wooden ramps make it easier to change or add new features.
However, wood can get damaged by weather. In 2009, the city fixed up the park. They replaced old wood and made sure the new wood was waterproof. Over 10,000 in-line skaters, skateboarders, and BMX riders use the park every year. They range from young kids to adults.
Queen Califia's Magical Circle
In 2003, a unique sculpture garden opened in the park. It's called Queen Califia's Magical Circle. This garden was created by a famous artist named Niki de Saint Phalle. It is her only sculpture garden in all of America!
What Can You Do at Kit Carson Park?
- Walking and hiking trails
- A 5-acre special garden called The Iris Sankey Magical Garden
- Three ponds: Tree Lake, Duck Lake, and Sand Lake
- A fun playground for younger kids
- Shaded picnic areas with tables and barbecues
- A covered picnic shelter for groups
- Open grassy areas for playing
- Lighted fields for youth baseball and softball
- Lighted fields for adult softball
- Lighted soccer fields
- Lighted tennis courts
- A large outdoor amphitheater that can hold 3,000 people
- The amazing Queen Califia's Magical Circle sculpture garden
- A public art piece called Eucalyptus Leaf Court
- The Sports Center complex, which has a pro shop
- A 22,000 square-foot skate park
- Two covered arenas for roller hockey
- One full-size soccer arena
- One "mini" soccer arena
- A Girl Scouts of the USA Program Center
- A Disc Golf course
Finding Kit Carson Park
The park is easy to get to! Its entrance is just five minutes from I-15. You can take the Rancho Parkway Exit. The park is located at the corner of Bear Valley Parkway and Mary Lane.
