SAVE THE PIT (Buena Vista Reservoir)

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On Wednesday April 9, 2014, a group of Olde Carlsbad neighbors met to discuss the future of the Buena Vista Reservoir owned by the City of Carlsbad and located at the intersection of Buena Vista Way and Arland Road.

The City of Carlsbad recently tabled a proposal to offer the 3.4-acre site for sale — presumably to developers for housing.

the carlsbad pitA number of neighboring parcels have already been approved for development, but neighborhood locals want the reservoir to be saved and transformed into a community park.

Carlsbad currently offers a wide range of community parks including Holiday Park, Hosp Grove Trails and the new $40 million Alga Norte Park, but neighborhood residents believe the Olde Carlsbad part of the city lacks an appropriate park and playground.

Joe Garuba, City of Carlsbad Property & Environmental Manager, gave a brief tour of the reservoir to the nearly 50 neighborhood members. May Anne Viney, a long time Olde Carlsbad resident, also provided information on the efforts to turn the land into a park.

The reservoir, named ‘The Pit’ by many Carlsbad locals, has already been used as unofficial community grounds for over a decade. Carlsbad local artist Bryan Snyder first began entering where he and friends built skate ramps. He later used the large surrounding walls as giant canvases for his art.

“I taught myself how to paint by sneaking into The Pit nearly a decade ago and painting large scale murals on the perimeter embankments. This Pit has been a major part of my life and professional career,” Snyder said. “I have painted all over the world and it would have never been possible without first learning on The Pit walls.”

The Pit Carlsbad

A petition of over 150 signatures has been circulating and a website to help spread the word of this neighborhood movement is currently being developed.

Click HERE for a documentation of The Pit artwork!

Click HERE to see a video of Bryan Snyder painting at The Pit!

Click HERE to see more murals by Bryan Snyder!

Stay tuned for more information.


Email all thoughts, stories and photos to theartist (at) snyderartdesign.com