LAS VEGAS, NM – On Monday, the City of Las Vegas, in partnership with Stantec Engineering and ARCH Consulting, LLC, held a strategic planning meeting at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) to discuss the future of Rodriguez Park. The meeting focused on identifying opportunities and challenges, brainstorming development ideas, and drawing inspiration from sports complexes nationwide to effectively use the additional state capital outlay funding received over the past year.
Stantec Engineering will present two plan options to the Governing Body within the next two months. These plans will guide the development of construction-ready documents, which will be bid in phases. Invited attendees included representatives from NMHU Athletics, LCC Athletics, Las Vegas City Schools, West Las Vegas Schools, Las Vegas Little League, La Plaza Little League, Las Vegas Youth Soccer, United World College, North Central Economic Development District, Seeds of Wisdom, LLC, and City staff.
Key discussion topics included drainage needs, parking improvements, shade structures, and park amenities like restrooms and maintenance facilities. Participants also covered economic development, security, ADA compliance, and the addition of soccer fields, a skate park, playgrounds, and trails.
Upgrades and improvements are already in progress at Rodriguez Park. The City of Las Vegas has fully utilized the $3.5 million capital outlay grant the City received in 2021 for park renovations. A new grant of $217,500 from the New Mexico Land and Water Conservation Program was also recently secured to install lighting at the newly renovated baseball and softball fields. To protect historical sites, an archaeological survey is being conducted ahead of future construction. Additionally, this summer, Rodriguez Park will host the unveiling of the fourth and final mural in the Citywide Mural Project, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and supported by MainStreet de Las Vegas.
This project is part of a long-term plan to develop a multi-purpose sports complex, with a focus on creating an inclusive space for physical activity and community engagement.
“We are deeply grateful for the support from the Legislature, the Office of the Governor, and the State of New Mexico, as well as the hard work of our City Manager Tim Montgomery and City staff,” said Mayor David Romero. “The Governing Body and I are excited to see the positive impact this funding will have on our youth and families as we continue this important project.”