ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico is expanding recreation options around the state with an investment of more than $1.6 million. The idea is to expand equitable access to the outdoors through states “Trail+” program.
“Since the establishment of Trails+, a total of $13,243,478 has been awarded to 134 projects in 26 counties across the state,” Acting Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper said in a press release. “Trails+ exemplifies what can be achieved with our state’s visionary investment in the outdoor recreation economy and the strength behind the collaborative partnerships embedded in each funded project. Together, we are strengthening our state and increasing access to New Mexico’s great outdoors.”
The latest round of funding is going to 12 projects around the state. As described by the EDD, they include:
City of Albuquerque, Parks and Recreation Department ($130,000, Bernalillo County): City of Albuquerque to expand and improve disc golf facilities by installing a new 20-hole championship disc golf course at Puerto del Sol Golf Course, rehabilitating and improving Brent Baca Memorial Disc Golf Course and Brent Baca Memorial Disc Golf Course. has proposed The new 12-hole disc golf course at Westgate Park is in an underserved area of the city.
City of Las Cruces ($500,000, Dona Ana County): The City of Las Cruces’ project includes the design and construction of a recreational trail that will connect the communities of Tortugas and Dona Ana County to the university campus, Las Cruces High School and other destinations. metropolitan area.
City of Socorro ($370,020, Socorro County): This project includes construction of the box-enterprise trail network, climbing areas, and adjacent camping for the convenience of local and regional users as well as planning activities related to the revitalization of the USFS Cibola National Forest Magdalena Ranger District trail network. and the flagship 27-mile Baldy-to-Bosque Trail, from Magdalenas to Bucks Canyon and Socorro Valley.
Keshet Dance Company ($99,000, Bernalillo County): Keshet Center for the Arts will build an outdoor classroom and performance space in Midtown Albuquerque within the existing footprint of the Keshet Center for the Arts property, bringing the arts, artists and audiences to outdoor spaces for learning and engagement.
Mount Taylor Winter Quadrathlon ($90,000, Cibola County): The Mount Taylor Quadrathlon will acquire a new snowcat that will clear snow trails for Mount Taylor. This increased grooming capacity will create increased access to the greater Mount Taylor winter recreation area, allowing the race to continue for many years to come.
Descend Pueblo ($99,999, Santa Fe County): Grant funds will focus on trail improvements to Nambe Falls to increase safety and ease of use.
New Mexico Wildlife Center, Inc. (NMWC) ($60,000, Santa Fe County): NMWC will build an extended ADA pathway to provide outdoor access to a live animal education presentation area, ambassador animal enclosures and a picnic area. Added trail amenities include picnic tables, seating and waste receptacles.
Sandia Nordic Ski Club, Inc. (SNSC) ($38,677, Bernalillo County): SNSC designs, constructs and maintains cross-country ski trails on top of the Sandia Mountains and provides free cross-country ski instruction to the public. SNSC will improve and expand the network of groomed trails maintained by the club.
Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance ($38,700, Doña Ana County): The project focuses on creating non-motorized trail connections between the existing Tortugas Mountain Trail Network and the Soledad Canyon Road Multi-Use Trail, and greater connectivity between the City of Las Cruces and Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National. . Monument.
City of Silver City ($85,347, Grant County): The City of Silver City will design an ADA accessibility ramp within San Vicente Creek Big Ditch Park in historic downtown Silver City. Projects include planning and designing small-scale drainage, retaining walls, erosion control, engineering an ADA-compliant ramp to the Big Ditch Trail and Park to improve accessibility from Main Street Plaza, installing wayfinding signage with relevant historical and environmental information on San. to do Vicente Creek, and invasive species removal.
Logan Village ($50,000, Quay County): The Town of Logan will construct a walking/jogging path to serve as a connection point between the lake and the downtown area, benefiting both residents and the visiting population and offering an additional community-accessible option.
Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary ($50,000, McKinley County): The Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary project focuses on campground improvements that include RV hookups, yurts, and other basic amenities that expand camping access without RVs and tents.
New Mexico lawmakers recently put more funding toward the outdoor recreation grant pool. So, organizations and communities can still apply for funding for the upcoming round of grants.
