BY GEORGIA STRICKFADEN
Los Alamos
The North Mesa Park (aka former FEMAville) Master Plan shows the proposed and now funded Bike Skills Park being located in the Natural Area east of N. Mesa Park Road, the open area across from La Mesa Mobile Home Park extending to Brewer Arena. Any manmade amenities there will degrade the outdoor experience of the users of the well- used paved trail currently tracing through the native grassland and small forest. In the North Mesa Park Master Plan document under “Existing Conditions”, this endangered area is noted as “heavily used.”
During the planning process, I was among the minority of citizens advocating for the bike park to be located west in the ample unused open space bounded by the soccer field, dog park, and San Ildefonso Road, in order to preserve the natural open space and its path east. If you’re uncertain as to where and what I’m trying to describe, I will be happy to meet you on site to discuss the park plans. I’m Georgia. Please txt me (505) 231-5674.
Taking a lesson from the decision a number of years ago to locate the skate park by Mesa Public Library in the middle of town, the main reason being to put it where it could be readily seen and used uptown. Previous attempts at skate parks were in more secluded parts of town and had become derelict hang outs. So now, the bike park on North Mesa should be located right along San Ildefonso Road as neighbor to the soccer field and dog park where it would be more visible and hopefully not fall derelict. That open area is seldom used. A bike park there can share existing parking and amenities with the dog park and soccer field.
A couple of million dollars has been approved for the bike park. As we move into the design/build stage, I urge staff and planners to consider that it makes more sense (and cents) in the long run to design the Bike Skills Park to be built in the ample unused area between the soccer field and the dog park where it can be seen, and leave the open grassland in the eastern sector and its paved path intact as it has been used for many years of peaceful enjoyment in the natural world. People of all ages and abilities use the Natural Habitat Area every day of the year.
If the design of the bike park could locate it along San Ildefonso, the Natural Habitat Area can be protected and enjoyed. That would be in line with the public sentiment reflected in the comprehensive plan calling for accessible natural areas and preservation of Open Space.