The Outdoor Recreation Division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department recently awarded $3.2 million in grants to local trail projects in New Mexico.
The Trails+ Grant project announced Aug. 12 that 17 projects across the state had been given funding. The program funds essential infrastructure improvements to boost New Mexico’s outdoor recreation sector. In 2019, the program was established by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham with lawmakers to help projects that improve outdoor recreation opportunities. The projects include ADA-accessible outdoor spaces, adding signs, trail systems, wildlife observation areas and more.
In a press release, Economic Development Department Acting Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper said the grant program opens up more economic opportunities around the state.
“The Trails+ Grant is giving a significant boost to the state’s economy and supporting the growth of local communities by creating jobs for New Mexicans, many living in Tribal and rural areas,” Roper said.
Sandoval County trails
Las Huertas Plaza, LLC has secured $59,000 for a project in Placitas, located along the heavily trafficked Highway 165 cyclist route. According to the release, the project will create a safe pull-out area for hikers and bikers, featuring a bike repair station and a shaded rock wall seating area.
The Village of Corrales, in partnership with Corrales MainStreet, was awarded $202,500. The grant money will be used to install new stand-alone public bathrooms at La Entrada Park.
The comprehensive plan from 2009 identified a need for public restrooms at the park, and a Parks and Recreation survey done in the last few years identified permanent public restrooms as the No. 1 most important park addition. The restrooms will be ADA compliant, unisex and accessible from La Entrada Park without reducing the park size. The restrooms will be connected to the Corrales wastewater system along Corrales Road.
According to Village Clerk Melanie Romero, this is part of the administration’s plan to expand La Entrada Park into the Gonzales property north of the current park area.
“Information on the expansion of the park and the future use of the Gonzales property will be presented to the council sometime in the next few months, as Amy Bell from Ground Works Studio is working on finalizing the feasibility study she presented to the council on June 25,” Romero said.