There are exciting improvements coming to North County, specifically the San Luis Rey River Valley and a project known as San Luis Rey River Park (SLRRP). The vision for SLRRP is to connect a system of multi-use trails and develop staging areas and parks across 1,700 acres of land, covering 9 miles, along the San Luis Rey River, between Interstate 15 and the Old Bonsall Bridge.   

Since the early 2000s, staff with the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (County Parks) have been working to preserve open space and expand recreation options in this area – acquiring land, evaluating environmental and cultural resources, and designing concept plans for new parks and park features.    

A Master Plan for SLRRP was approved in 2007 and adopted in 2008. It includes approximately 17 miles of planned trails for all users, including pedestrians, equestrians and bicyclists and two active recreation park projects (Bonsall Community Park and Rio Prado County Park/Staging Areas) and anticipates a minimum of two equestrian staging areas.

Public feedback was important in the development of the SLRRP Master Plan. County Parks staff hosted four public meetings, meetings with the Bonsall and Fallbrook Community/Sponsor Groups, Master Plan Advisory Group, focus groups, and other stakeholders - in addition to distributing surveys. All that data was combined to develop a plan that could address the current and future needs of local residents.  

To date, 720 acres have been acquired for SLRRP with more underway, including approximately 94 acres for active recreation. Also notable, about 7.25 miles of multi-use trails have been added to the park, thanks to a mix of acquisitions, property easements and other agreements.   

SLRRP is a long-term project with many moving parts. Each park, trail and staging area that is built within its boundaries is designed to expand recreation opportunities for residents. Every acre of open space that is protected as preserve land will help save native habitats and local wildlife. We encourage you to check back for updates as we continue to make progress toward this collaborative vision.