South Bayo Canyon Trail in monsoon season. Trails don’t weed themselves, ya know. By James Wernicke
BY JAMES WERNICKE
Parks & Recreation Board Chair
Sorry for the delay on this update! At the July 2024 Los Alamos County Parks & Recreation Board meeting, several updates were provided, including the assignment of tasks to newly formed working groups and plans for a major maintenance project at the aquatic center.
The meeting opened with public comments, where Open Space Manager Eric Peterson was commended for his community engagement efforts. Concerns were raised about using recycled asphalt in recreational areas, citing potential health hazards, with a request to use onsite materials instead. Community members also expressed appreciation for events like gymkhanas, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support for local recreational activities. Although it wasn’t discussed during the meeting, a community member started a petition for a dog park and playground on DP Road. It’s a reminder that accessibility for various populations is an important consideration for park planning.
A key focus of the meeting was the discussion of working groups. County Counsel Wyman recommended delaying the finalization of charters until procedural rules are better understood and approved by the Council. It was noted that working groups must include no more than three PRB members to comply with the Open Meetings Act. The Los Alamos Open Space and Trails Working Group (LOSTWG) was tasked with recruiting new members, seeking public input for the Trails and Open Space Management Plan, and monitoring conditions of open spaces and trails. Their priorities include identifying user conflicts, addressing zoning issues, and encouraging public participation in volunteer projects. Similarly, the Equestrian & Livestock Working Group (ELWG) was tasked with recruiting members representing diverse perspectives and reviewing county publications related to equestrian facilities for accuracy. Written reports from these groups will be included in meeting minutes to ensure transparency.
Several updates on county projects were also discussed. The pool plaster at the aquatic center has exceeded its life expectancy, with repairs potentially scheduled for 2024 or 2025. The board is considering partnerships with community pools to accommodate memberships if the repairs are conducted during the summer. Golf course renovations, including the driving range net and concrete paths, are progressing well, with the back nine expected to be completed sooner than anticipated. The installation of shade structures at Ashley Pond is planned for November, following the arrival of shipments in August. Updates were also provided on the White Rock skatepark renovations and BMX track community listening sessions. Council liaison Ryti briefed the board on regional collaboration efforts, the draft Climate Action Plan, and a proposed gas rate increase.
The meeting concluded with plans to address tasks from previous working group sessions. The board remains focused on enhancing community engagement, ensuring transparency, and improving recreational facilities to benefit the Los Alamos community. Send your questions and concerns to prb@lacnm.us.