The Rose Garden would be more aesthetically pleasing than wire cages. Photo by James Wernicke

BY JAMES WERNICKE
Chair
Parks & Rec Board

NOTE: The October Parks & Rec Board meeting has been canceled. The next meeting will be on Nov. 14, 2024.

The September 2024 Los Alamos County Parks & Recreation Board meeting began with public comments addressing concerns over difficulties with the gate at the North Mesa RV lot storage and a request for an electronic gate, citing safety issues and rising rental fees over the years. Additional public comments received before the meeting noted grass clippings covering cemetery memorial markers and bench damage at Ashley Pond. County staff are addressing these issues.

Kersti Rock from the Los Alamos Garden Club presented a proposal to install a deer-proof fence around the Los Alamos Memorial Rose Garden. The garden, established in 1956, has suffered significant damage due to an increase in the local deer population, particularly since recent wildfires have driven wildlife into town. The current solution of using wire cages to protect the roses is labor-intensive and unsightly. Rock proposed a more permanent solution: an eight-foot-high steel fence, designed to blend with the garden’s aesthetics while providing durable protection. The estimated cost for the project is $42,000. The proposal has been approved by both the Los Alamos Historic Preservation Advisory Board and the State Historic Preservation Division. The Board expressed support for the project, emphasizing the importance of preserving the garden as a historical and community asset.

CSD Senior Management Analyst Chelsea Ashcraft provided an end-of-year review, highlighting CSD’s accomplishments in FY2024. Key achievements included the county’s full compliance with CAPRA accreditation standards, improvements to playgrounds and athletic fields, golf course renovations, and completion of the White Rock skatepark. The department also expanded its offerings in social services, including a youth opioid prevention summit and new community health initiatives. Additionally, the department made significant strides in accessibility improvements, environmental stewardship, public engagement efforts, and extensive volunteer engagement, totaling over 11,500 hours.

The department will be focusing on several key projects, including developing a master plan for the North Mesa Recreation Area. Other upcoming projects include the Brewer Arena renovation, continued ADA accessibility improvements, and efforts to enhance recreational offerings for residents. The department also plans to continue engaging the community in these discussions to ensure that future projects reflect the needs and desires of Los Alamos residents.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the BMX track project and the future of biking facilities in the county. Initially approved by the county in 2019 with a budget of $100,000, the BMX track project has faced several challenges. The track would need to be staffed and managed to meet current standards, which would significantly increase ongoing costs. Recent public meetings showed limited support for the project Given the high costs of building and maintaining a BMX track—estimated to be close to $1 million—the Board discussed the possibility of shelving the project in its current form.

However, there was strong support for exploring alternatives such as a pump track or mountain bike skills park, which could offer similar recreational opportunities without the high operational costs. These facilities would also cater to a broader range of users. The Board emphasized the importance of community engagement in determining the best location and design for new biking facilities, ensuring minimal conflict with other recreational users, particularly the nearby stables.

In conclusion, the September 2024 Parks & Recreation Board meeting underscored the department’s commitment to improving quality of life in the county. The discussion on the BMX track and future biking facilities highlighted a shift in focus towards more accessible and sustainable recreational options, ensuring that future projects align with community needs.

This article was generated with the assistance of an AI language model. The author attests to its accuracy. Please refer to official meeting minutes or county communications for authoritative information.