County Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker and Community Services Director Cory Styron check out skateboard decks painted by students as appreciation for the new White Rock skatepark. Courtesy image
BY JAMES WERNICKE
Chair
Parks & Recreation Board
At the November Parks and Recreation Board meeting, Chamisa Elementary Art Teacher Andrea Lynch presented skateboard decks painted by students as appreciation for the new White Rock skatepark which completed construction in September, highlighting a successful collaboration between County staff, contractors, and the public. The board discussed plans for the 2025 work plan, updates and corrections to the Community Services Division website recommended by the Equine & Livestock Working Group, updates on the Open Space Management Plan from the Open Space & Trails Working Group, and collaboration on a Barranca Mesa art project with the Arts in Public Places Board.
Parks Superintendent Wendy Parker updated the board on park projects, including the Ashley Pond shade structure, athletic field renovations, and Kinnikkinnik Park ADA trail. Ice Rink Manager Brendan Tuning reported on a regional swim meet bringing in 162 participants from New Mexico and Colorado, Hawk Hangouts averaging 125 middle schoolers, and the opening of the ice rink for the 24-25 season. The public is encouraged to check both County and Los Alamos Hockey Association websites for the latest info on schedules. A Bike Park Working Group was introduced, inspired by successful community-government collaborations from other cities such as Leadville’s Huck Finn Bike Park and the Salida Mountain Trails network. Public concerns were voiced about the Brewer Arena grandstand demolition, citing short notice, miscommunication, and insufficient site fencing to protect users and animals.
The Community Services Division was recognized by the County Council for earning CAPRA accreditation, a prestigious accomplishment that demonstrates the department’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community across 154 benchmarks. Thanks to a surprise snowstorm that dropped three feet of snow in two days, Golf Course Manager Mike Lippiatt and a crew of county staff members were able to provide cross-country skiing at the golf course for a few days. If cold weather isn’t your thing, did you know you can learn to scuba at the Aquatic Center?
The Parks & Recreation Board’s next meeting will be held on December 12 at 5:30 PM in Council Chambers and includes a discussion of the 2025 work plan and the creation of a Bike Park Working Group. The public is encouraged to participate in the discussion in person or online.
AI was used to enhance the clarity and cohesiveness of this article.