The provision of a high-quality public parks and recreation system is an essential component of building a “livable” community – one where all residents have access to the amenities and services that enhance our daily experiences with our neighbors and surrounding environment. A well distributed and managed system of park land and recreational amenities provides the following essential community benefits including:

PARKS IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Parks and open spaces provide opportunities for both active and passive recreation. Active recreation includes organized sports and activities and passive recreation activities include hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, etc.

PARKS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE INVOLVED
Parks are places to socialize, engage other members of the community, and meet new people. Social interactions help build safe, connected, and friendly communities.

PARKS PROVIDE A SAFE HAVEN TO YOUTH
Parks and recreation programs can have a positive social impact as young people have the opportunity to socialize through organized and unstructured activities which can develop life skills.

PARKS INCREASE TOURISM
People will visit a community because of local attractions which includes parks with desirable facilities or unique features.  Attracting visitors to Las Cruces is a way to increase local revenue.

PARKS CONTRIBUTE TO THE ECONOMY
Parks improve local economies by increasing residential property values through the Proximate Principle which states “People will pay more for a home when it is next to a park or greenspace.”

PROMOTE CONSERVATION
Parks, open spaces, and conservation lands provide areas for native plantings and reclamation projects. When implemented correctly can address issues with storm-water runoff and mitigate flooding.

Ensuring that all community members can share in the benefits of its community’s parks and recreation facilities as Las Cruces grows and changes requires a recurring process of evaluating the way that recreational amenities are distributed, and how the system is managed. This process can lead to the more efficient use of resources and provision public space and recreational opportunities.

Why has this project been initiated?

Assumptions on the amount and location of “future” park land in the City of Las Cruces are based on the Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Master Plan & Park Impact Fee Update adopted in May 2012. The City’s population and land use characteristics have changed significantly since that time. This update process is part of the City’s effort to re-assess its park land distribution and level of service goals to ensure sufficient access to the system by current and future residents, and to formulate a development impact fee structure that meets those targets. The update process also offers the City an opportunity to re-evaluate the efficiency of how it delivers recreational services to the residents of Las Cruces.

What will the major outcomes of the parks and recreation planning process?

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan update assesses the conditions, offerings, and management of the City’s parks and recreation system. The updated Parks and Recreation Plan Master Plan will provide new recommendations on park land distribution and level of service, recreational program offerings, park conditions, and system management based on changes to Las Cruces’es demographics and land use characteristics over the last six years (and anticipated future changes). Beyond those improvements that will occur in conjunction with the City’s recently approved general obligation bond, the final plan will make recommendations on short-term and long-term capital investments to the City’s park system to further meet the recreational needs of the City’s current and future residents.

What is the relationship of this planning effort to the Elevate Las Cruces Comprehensive Plan?

The Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Master Plan process is being prepared concurrently with the “Elevate Las Cruces Comprehensive Plan.” The projects are independent – as the Elevate Las Cruces Comprehensive Plan addresses multiple topics including land use, mobility, housing, natural resources, infrastructure, economic development, etc. Nonetheless, many of the parks and recreation master plan findings and recommendations will be incorporated into the Elevate Las Cruces Comprehensive Plan.

Who is preparing the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update?

The Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update is being administered by the City of Las Cruces’s Parks and Recreation Department with support from the Community Development Department. The planning process is being led by Halff Associates, Inc., in partnership with the City. Information about the Parks and Recreation Master Plan planning team can be found here.

How long will the planning process take?

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan process is anticipated to take 6 months – between January 2018 and June 2018. (On-line public engagement begins in January 2018.)

How can I become involved in the park and recreation master plan process?

Let us know that you’re interested! Leave your name and e-mail address with us where designated on the bottom of any page on this website. Then receive e-mails notifying you of project events, activities, or updates.

E-mail or social media not your preferred method of communication? Contact the City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department at (575) 541-2550 to request event updates by mail, or monitor this website for information about upcoming public meetings and online surveys, or to review interim or final plan documents.