Title
Introduction and Presentation of the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan
Body
The North Mesa Recreation Area contains the last parcel of undeveloped land identified for recreational use in Los Alamos County. With new housing planned for the Arbolada subdivision and the North Mesa Housing Project with the Los Alamos School District, proactively planning for the community’s long-term recreational needs has become a critical priority.
To address this, the Community Services Department (CSD) engaged Sites Southwest, a professional planning firm with expertise in master planning and accessibility compliance. Their approach emphasized strong community engagement to ensure the final plan reflects the values and needs of Los Alamos residents.
The purpose of the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan is to:
• Document the community’s vision for the space.
• Analyze existing site conditions, constraints, and opportunities.
• Provide a conceptual framework for future improvements and preservation.
• Ensure recreational access for all user groups, regardless of ability.
Through a comprehensive and notably well-attended public engagement process, the following improvements and amenities were identified. Participation levels for this project were among the highest seen in recent recreational planning efforts, highlighting the community’s strong interest in shaping the future of North Mesa.
Residents provided input through listening sessions, workshops, open houses, and surveys, resulting in a clear set of priorities and desired features and amenities:
• ADA-accessible restrooms and parking
• Shade structures and landscaping
• Enhanced dog park and playground
• Bike infrastructure (pump track, skills park)
• Indoor sports facility
• Picnic areas and gathering spaces
• Fitness stations and nature play
• Splash pad and hydration stations
• Inclusive trail and play design
The conceptual plan for the North Mesa Recreation Area reflects the community’s priorities and feedback gathered throughout the engagement process. While not every requested amenity could be included in the initial design, the plan incorporates several high-impact features that align closely with the most consistently identified needs and values. These elements represent a thoughtful balance between feasibility, environmental stewardship, and broad recreational appeal:
• 3-5-acre bike park and pump track
• ADA-compliant community garden
• Multi-use covered pavilion for events and roller derby
• Sand volleyball courts
• Nature-based children’s play area
Public input was gathered through multiple formats to ensure broad participation:
• Listening Sessions (March 2025): In-person and online, 125 attendees
• Community Workshop (April 2025): In-person and online facilitation, 50 attendees
• Open House & Survey (July 2025): In-person and online facilitation, 70 attendees; 190 survey responses
Sites Southwest presented the draft plan to the Parks and Recreation Board (PRB) on October 9, 2025. After incorporating recommended changes, the plan was returned to PRB and received a formal recommendation to move forward to County Council for their review and approval on December 11, 2025.
The current design presented in the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan is a conceptual rendering intended to illustrate potential uses and configurations for the space. As with all master plans, this document serves as a guiding framework, not a final blueprint. Adjustments may be made as the project moves into future phases of development, based on site-specific conditions, community feedback, funding availability, and evolving priorities. The plan’s primary purpose is to inform future decision-making and budget allocations, ensuring that development aligns with both community needs and the strategic goals outlined in the CSD Integrated Master Plan. No decisions regarding finalized design, construction, or funding have been made at this time.
Consultants from Sites Southwest will present the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan (Attachment B), explain the planning process that led to its development, and will be available to answer questions. This presentation (Attachment A) serves as an introduction to the project only.
Attachments
A - Sites Southwest Presentation
B - North Mesa Recreation Area Master Plan