San Marcos begins lighting upgrades at five city parks

Published on October 28, 2026

The City of San Marcos has begun construction on lighting improvements at five city parks as part of a larger $5 million investment in park infrastructure made possible through state funding secured by Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel.

The Five Parks Electrical Upgrades Project will replace 50 light poles and install 55 new lights at Civic Center Park, Foothill Park, San Elijo Park, The Laurels and Valley View Park. These improvements will help enhance park safety and visibility, create more welcoming public spaces and reduce long-term energy and maintenance costs.

The project includes the following improvements:
Civic Center Park: 15 light poles and 16 lights
Foothill Park: 11 light poles and 11 lights
San Elijo Park: 16 light poles and 20 lights
The Laurels: Four light poles and four lights
Valley View Park: Four light poles and four lights

Construction began in late October and is expected to be completed by mid-December. All five parks will remain open throughout construction, with active work areas secured from public access at the end of each workday.

Investing in San Marcos parks
The lighting improvements are one component of a larger $5 million state funding allocation directed by Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel through the state budget process to help the city maintain and improve its existing parks.

The funding supports the city's ongoing efforts to keep its nearly 50 parks clean, safe and well-maintained while making strategic investments that reduce future operating costs.

In addition to the lighting improvements, the funding will support irrigation upgrades at Walnut Grove Park and other deferred maintenance projects throughout the city's park system.

Together, the planned park lighting upgrades are projected to save more than $1 million in energy costs over the next five years.

At Walnut Grove Park, the city's largest park, planned irrigation improvements will allow the park to use water from a local well rather than drinking water. This change is expected to conserve approximately 7 million gallons of drinking water annually and save an estimated $100,000 per year in water costs.

Additional funding will address deferred maintenance needs, helping extend the life of existing park infrastructure and reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs in the future.

Making local dollars go further
The Five Parks Electrical Upgrades Project reflects the city's broader approach to leveraging outside funding to support infrastructure improvements and maximize local resources.

Over the past year, San Marcos has secured more than $13 million in regional, state and federal funding for local improvements. By pursuing grants, state funding allocations and regional partnerships, the city continues to invest in essential infrastructure while making local tax dollars go further.

The city thanks Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel for her support in securing funding that will help maintain and improve San Marcos parks for current and future generations.