Get Involved!

The Oceanside Inland Rail Trail Feasibility Study project has concluded, but there will be more chances for engagement in the future as the project continues into future phases!

Results of Phase 3 Engagement

The third phase of engagement involved community input on the results of the project, including the Preliminary Design Concepts and the Oceanside Inland Rail Trail Feasibility Study. An online survey, provided in both English and Spanish, was circulated from November 1 through December 5, 2025. The survey was taken by 311 people.

In addition to the survey questions, the public was given an opportunity to pin comments on a digital map of the preferred alternative to propose refinements as well as identify recreational, commercial, and educational destinations. 97 comments were posted about opportunities for refinements, 31 comments about destinations were provided, and 12 “other” comments were provided.

Phase 3 Revisions

Community members shaped the proposed OIRT throughout all phases of the project. In Phase 3, members of the public had an opportunity to review the Preliminary Design Concepts to provide feedback. Changes made to the concepts based on this feedback include:

Addition of an alternative alignment along Godfrey Street to be considered as the design progresses. This could reduce conflict points from streets and driveways along the north side of the street. However, it could also create additional parking impacts and environmental challenges due to the adjacent trees and cemetery.
Addition of a concrete barrier and a wider trail along Oceanside Boulevard between Ditmar Street and Parkwood Lane, along the hill. The concrete barrier provides more protection and separation from vehicle traffic. Trail widening allows for a 1’ striped buffer between directions of active transportation traffic on the OIRT, which could increase user comfort. A cross-section has been added to the concepts for illustrative purposes and results in a total trail width of 16’. Further increasing the width through this area could result in significantly higher costs due to the need for more earthwork and more robust retaining walls.
Addition of an alternative alignment through the Upper Loma Alta Preserve, east of Rancho del Oro Road and west of the College Boulevard SPRINTER station. This alternative would follow the toe of the nearby slope and will be considered as the design progresses. This could reduce the need for bridges and provide improved trail experience. However, it would require an easement or right-of-way acquisition from the current property owner.

Changes were also made to the Oceanside Inland Rail Trail Feasibility Study as a direct result of public input. These changes included:

Addition of a “Frequently Asked Questions” section.
A figure was added to the Feasibility Study describing each of the alignment alternatives considered between Interstate 5 and the future Coastal Rail Trail within the study area.

Phase 3 Engagement Timeline

November 1 – December 5, 2025
- Online survey open (311 responses)

Results of Phase 2 Engagement

The second phase of engagement focused on sharing three alternative alignments for the Inland Rail Trail and gathering community input. Engagement activities included two pop-up events, a community open house, and an online survey. In total, nearly 1,100 people were engaged, including 977 survey responses and more than 1,100 individual comments.

Key themes from Phase 2 engagement include:

Safety is the top concern. Participants stressed the need for lighting, safe crossings, separation from vehicle traffic, and addressing safety in isolated areas.

Preference for separation from traffic. Many participants favored Alignment A (South Side of SPRINTER Tracks) because it provides a scenic route away from vehicles and fewer intersection crossings.

Trail use will be primarily for recreation and exercise. Most participants said they would use the Inland Rail Trail for walking, biking, or fitness.

Amenities matter. Suggestions included bike parking, landscaping, shade, benches, and restrooms, with the San Luis Rey Trail cited as an example to follow.

Design priorities. Participants ranked access, stress level, route directness, cost, and topography in that order of importance.

Phase 2 Engagement Timeline

March 1–31, 2025
- Online survey open (977 responses)

March 15, 2025
- Pop-up event at Mance Buchanon Park (approx. 50 attendees)

March 17, 2025
- Community workshop open house at Oceanside City Hall (20 attendees)

March 22, 2025
- Pop-up event at Oceanside Pier (approx. 40 attendees)

Results of Phase 1 Engagement

The first phase of the project focused on Existing Conditions within the project corridor. We hosted two pop-up outreach events and conducted an online survey. In total, we engaged more than 500 people! Below are some of the key themes that we learned through these public engagement activities:

The project enjoys broad support from those that were engaged
Safety is a primary concern. Those engaged cited the following:
- There was a strong desire for separation between pedestrians and bikes/e-bikes
- Road crossings need to be safe
- Engineering measures should be taken to ensure personal safety
Trail connectivity is a priority
Most people would use the Inland Rail Trail for biking/e-biking (more than 60%)
The Inland Rail Trail would help the community be more active and access public recreation
Shade, lighting, and native landscaping are important elements to incorporate into the project

Phase 1 Engagement Timeline

For a detailed summary of Phase 1 of Engagement, see the Community Outreach and Engagement Summary on our Resources tab!

October 1, 2024 – Official Launch of Phase 1 of Engagement
- TIDE Newsletter article
- Phase 1 online survey opened
- Mailer sent to the nearest 1,000 residents to the Oceanside IRT study area
October 10, 2024
- City of Oceanside social media post
October 12, 2024
- Pop-up event at Oceanside Pier
October 15, 2024
- Sidewalk decals placed throughout Oceanside with a QR code to the project website
October 17, 2024
- City of Oceanside social media post
October 19, 2024
- Pop-up event at Wagner Aquatics Center and Senior Center
October 31, 2024 – Official close of Phase 1 of Engagement