Image Credit: Coast News / Jordan P. Ingram
(North County Beat) – A heartwarming moment unfolded at the Encinitas City Council meeting when 10-year-old resident Oliver Pratt offered to donate the $1,500 he raised to support the creation of a park on a city-owned lot along Quail Gardens Drive, known as L7. Pratt, who collected and resold golf balls at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, was inspired to take action after learning about a $100,000 donation offered by fellow Encinitas resident Glenn Johnson.
Johnson made the contribution in memory of his late wife, hoping to transform L7 into a quiet park that preserves open space and honors local wildlife.
During the council meeting, Pratt and Johnson spoke passionately about their desire to see L7 become a park, joining dozens of residents who also voiced their support. Johnson emphasized his wish to leave a lasting legacy in his neighborhood, which he believes has borne the burden of the city’s housing developments. He argued that the community needs more parks, not less, especially as the population continues to grow.
The Encinitas City Council, after hearing the testimonies, voted 3-2 to direct the Parks & Recreation Commission to explore the possibility of converting L7 into a park. However, the decision does not settle the ongoing debate over the site’s future use. Councilmembers Kellie Hinze and Joy Lyndes dissented, reflecting the community’s divided opinions.
The L7 lot, spanning 9.4 acres, has been at the center of a long-standing debate between those who advocate for more affordable housing in the city and those who prefer to preserve open spaces. The city’s newly formed Affordable Housing Task Force is also considering the site for high-density housing, adding another layer of complexity to the issue.
The lot has a history of being considered for various purposes, including a public works yard and a library. In November 2023, the Encinitas City Council declared the property surplus, allowing for potential housing development after a 60-day period during which no public agencies expressed interest in using the land for open space.
Despite the council’s vote to consider park development, Mayor Tony Kranz suggested that the city should continue its outreach efforts regarding housing possibilities on L7. He acknowledged that the dispute over the site has been ongoing for years and is unlikely to be resolved soon. The city is now tasked with gathering comprehensive information to make an informed decision on the future of L7, balancing the need for affordable housing with the community’s desire to maintain open spaces.
