Los Alamos Reporter

Parks & Rec. Board Chair James Wernicke Reports On June Activities

The bottom of Ranch School Trail after an early June rainstorm. Photo by James Wernicke

BY JAMES WERNICKE
Chair
Los Alamos County Parks & Rec. Board

Here are the June Parks and Recreation Board (PRB) meeting highlights:

Public Comment on Aquatic Center Maintenance

We first heard public concerns that conducting aquatic center maintenance from September to April could negatively impact swim teams and other users. While contractor availability will play a role in scheduling, the PRB is committed to working with the Community Services Department (CSD) to minimize disruptions. Public comments like these are invaluable, and we encourage community input at the start of all our meetings to better serve public interests.

Working Groups Discussion

Our primary action item was the approval of the Equine & Livestock Working Group (ELWG) and the Los Alamos Open Space & Trails Working Group (LOSTWG). We discussed the importance of annual reviews for these groups to ensure effectiveness. Staff raised concerns about including guiding documents like the Integrated Master Plan in charters, avoiding overlaps with subcommittees, and improving communication during the development process. Public comments highlighted frustration with the burdensome process, reminding us that the switch from subcommittees to working groups aimed to reduce bureaucracy and empower stakeholders. We decided to table the approval until July, as the charters were not included in the agenda, affecting transparency. Both groups have since provided revised charters addressing the concerns discussed. A Skating Rink Working Group has been discussed but does not yet have a charter ready. 

Chair Report

My report included observations from the May 21 Open Space & Trails Management Plan Listening Session. Concerns included fast driving through stables, crowded trails, and the need for more accessible trails. While I missed the CAPRA Meet & Greet, I am working to make the county’s self-assessment publicly available, as it promises long-term benefits for recreational users. Some other events and updates included:

  • All community pools and the splash pad are open. Note the splash pad can’t be reserved, only the pavilion next to it.
  • The aquatic center is hosting free Splash & Dash events every other Wednesday evening.
  • The Los Alamos Triathlon is on July 20.
  • Skate nights are happening at the skating rink.
  • There was a Bee City Volunteer Day on June 29.
  • The next volunteer trail work day in White Rock Canyon is on July 13.
  • Tuff Riders worked on Upper Pueblo Canyon & Perimeter Trails.
  • Pajarito Bike Park is hosting Trail Party enduro events July 4 weekend and in October.
  • The Los Alamos Youth MTB Team is hosting a NICA event in October.
  • The County Fair & Rodeo is on August 3-4.
  • County Arborist Cindy Abbott is conducting a comprehensive tree inventory in Los Alamos.

For more event information, visit https://www.losalamosnm.us/Events-Directory.

Recreation and Parks Updates

Recreation Superintendent Katherine Hudspeth reported that the Golf Course Renovation Project is on schedule, with the back 9 closing soon for maintenance. The ice rink will have funding for another year of the temporary chiller, and the Summer Activity Guide is out now. Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker updated us on park projects. More gophers have been trapped and mounds were removed. New shade structures are coming to Ashley Pond, and the White Rock skatepark will be closed from June 29 to August 30 for a new installation. Athletic field renovations are nearly complete, and planning for Brewer Arena ADA improvements and expanded seating is underway. For more information on parks and open space projects, visit https://www.losalamosnm.us/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks/Parks-Open-Space-Projects.

Council Liaison Update

Council liaison Randall Ryti shared updates on the CAPRA Meet & Greet, transit center developments, changes to work plans, animal code modifications, management action plans, a new DEI Task Force charter, the driving range tour, the new Urban Trail, and the Pride Festival.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting on July 11 will focus on approving working groups. We’ll also receive updates on aquatic center maintenance, signs on historic markers, and feedback from the Trails & Open Space Listening Sessions. Community members are encouraged to attend to share their concerns.