Title
Presentation and Possible Acceptance of the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan
Recommended Action
I move that Council accept the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan as presented.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Body
The North Mesa Recreation Area represents the last undeveloped parcel designated for recreational use in Los Alamos County. With new housing developments underway, proactive planning for long-term community recreation needs is essential. To address this, the Community Services Department partnered with Sites Southwest to develop the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan, emphasizing accessibility and robust community engagement.
Purpose of the Master Plan:
• Capture the community’s vision for the space.
• Assess site conditions, constraints, and opportunities.
• Provide a conceptual framework for future improvements.
• Ensure inclusive recreational access for all users.
Public participation was among the highest for recent projects, including listening sessions, workshops, open houses, and surveys (over 300 participants and 190 survey responses). Residents identified key priorities such as ADA-accessible facilities, shade, bike infrastructure, playgrounds, and gathering spaces.
The plan reflects community priorities while balancing feasibility and environmental stewardship. Proposed features include:
• 3-5-acre bike park and pump track
• ADA-compliant community garden
• Multi-use covered pavilion
• Sand volleyball courts
• Nature-based children’s play area
The North Mesa Recreation Master Plan draft was presented to the Parks and Recreation Board in October 2025 and formally recommended for Council review in December 2025. On January 13, 2026, the plan was introduced to the Los Alamos County Council. During that meeting, Sites Southwest consultants provided a comprehensive presentation covering the project background, community engagement process, conceptual designs and revisions, and the proposed phasing and cost considerations. They also addressed questions from Council members. Public comments were largely supportive of the plan’s priorities, with two comments expressing concerns.
Council’s adoption of this master plan does not authorize design, construction, or funding at this time. Instead, it acknowledges the plan as a guiding document for future planning and decision-making for this undeveloped parcel designated for recreation. The plan reflects a coordinated effort among current and potential user groups and establishes a trusted baseline for intentional, community-driven improvements.
Fiscal impacts are still under review. Staff anticipate submitting funding requests during the FY27 budget process to initiate Phase 1 recommendations. The master plan will serve as a framework for prioritizing future investments and aligning them with community needs and strategic goals.
Alternatives
The Council may choose not to accept the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan at this time. Instead, Council could request specific changes or edits to the Plan and ask that a revised version be brought back for consideration at a future meeting.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned
Implementation of the plan will occur over time, based on priorities and available funding. Staff will prepare future budget requests to address short- and long-term strategies outlined in the plan. Current cost figures are preliminary estimates only and will be refined during phased implementation as scope, design details, and funding availability are determined. Adjustments may also be made based on site-specific conditions, evolving community feedback, and emerging priorities to ensure the plan remains responsive and sustainable.
Attachments
A- Sites Southwest Presentation-January 27, 2026
B- North Mesa Recreation Area Master Plan-Final Draft