The new White Rock skatepark addresses safety issues and includes progressive features to help beginners learn. Courtesy photo
BY JAMES WERNICKE
Parks & Rec Board Chair.
The Los Alamos County Parks & Recreation Board held its August 2024 meeting, addressing several topics of community interest. The meeting began with public recognition of the staff’s swift efforts to ensure the success of the County Fair & Rodeo. The board unanimously decided to cancel the October meeting due to a staff scheduling conflict so get your urgent questions and comments in to prb@lacnm.us before our Sept. 12 meeting.
Shannon Blair provided an update on the baling twine recycling initiative, highlighting its successes and challenges, particularly in collection and transport. The board discussed potential improvements, including clarifying regulations to support baling twine recycling and exploring options for enhanced recycling infrastructure.
Community Services Director Cory Styron presented updates on the playgrounds at Pinion and 37th Streets. The designs, chosen by community vote, received approval, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and special needs considerations.
Additional project updates were provided by Styron and Superintendents Katherine Hudspeth and Wendy Parker. An ADA assessment at Brewer Arena conducted just nine days before the rodeo identified safety issues with the grandstand, necessitating a temporary bleacher solution. Staff were commended for their quick response. Low attendance at BMX track discussions was noted, possibly due to discouragement from the lack of construction on a track approved by the Council in 2019, which stalled due to insurance issues.
Other updates included the finalization of the aquatic center repair plans, the release of the Fall Activity Guide, and the success of the first County-managed Fair and Rodeo, which drew 1,900 parade attendees and 1,200 rodeo-goers despite challenging weather. The Los Alamos Triathlon had 130 participants, and work continues on the golf course, with six holes currently playable. The permanent ice chiller for the skating rink is set to be operational by the 2025-26 season. There are also aquatic center closures for maintenance so check the schedule before going.
New historic markers around Fuller Lodge are being installed, and the White Rock Skatepark is now complete and worth visiting. Renovations on the North Mesa athletic fields are ongoing, and August saw a well-attended volunteer trail work project on the Mitchell Trail. The next trail work event is scheduled for September 28 on the White Rock Canyon Rim Trail. The third Open Space & Trails Listening Session will take place on Thursday, August 29, at 5 p.m. at Fuller Lodge.
Council liaison Ryti provided updates on Council activities and provided relevant suggestions to use surplus roll carts for baling twine storage and leveraging the newly approved inclusivity task force for recreation needs. PRB member Ian Zollinger was asked to explore these ideas.
The meeting concluded with previews of upcoming events. The next PRB meeting will be on September 12, 2024, where the End of Year Review will be presented. The Los Alamos Garden Club will discuss a deer-proof fence at the Rose Garden, and updates on the BMX track and the addition of shelter definitions to the Stables Rules & Regulations will be provided. Reports from the LOSTWG and ELWG will also be presented, along with a follow-up on the accessibility and inclusivity working group.