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 an...
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