The Nine Mile Picnic Ground, a popular day-use site located off of N.M. 536 at mile marker 9 in the Sandia Ranger District, reopened Friday, Sept. 6, after an $800,000 makeover.
The area had been closed to the public since 2017 due to public safety concerns and a backlog of deferred maintenance, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The site received a redesign and renovation with funds awarded from the Great American Outdoors Act — legislation championed by New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich and supported by U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury.
Project Timeline
2020: Demolition and design planning begins
2022: Design completed; contract awarded
2023: Renovation work begins
2024: Completion of renovation
In a speech during Friday’s grand reopening, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands Forest Supervisor Heidi McRoberts celebrated the reopening.
“Here, perfectly situated at 9,200 feet among the aspen stands, is a much-loved picnic ground that we are thrilled to be able to share with the public once again,” she said.
The renovation included new picnic tables, updates to structures, new sustainable restroom facilities, trail repairs and additional parking. According to the Forest Service, the Sandia Ranger District serves over 1.5 million visitors annually.
