Get Involved!

We’ve heard your input on the preliminary design concepts and Draft Feasibility Study, and are currently finalizing these documents before review with City Council.

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!