Las Cruces May See Either Upgraded Skate Park or An Entirely New One

A decision is expected to be made before the end of the year regarding the construction of a new skate park in Las Cruces or the renovation of an existing one.

Members of the Las Cruces City council are weighing the two options, both of which will cost more than $1 million.

One calls for upgrading an existing 33,000 square foot facility at 151 N. Walnut Street that was built in 1998, but has since experienced some structural decline. It is thought that it will cost just over $1 million for the upgrade.

The second option envisions the construction of a new park, with a cost estimate of $1.4 million.

Earlier this year, Las Cruces received some $845,000 in funding to be applied for either project as a capital outlay approved by the New Mexico State Legislature.

The city is also contemplating construction of several smaller “skate spots” in existing parks in various parts of the city, measuring anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet, with a cost estimates ranging between $50,000 and $200,000.

The city is accepting public comments on the various skate park proposals until November 23, with the hope of making a decision before the end of the year.

An online petition organized last year attracted around 2,000 signatures asking for a new park.
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City officials say the design work on either option could begin in early 2021.

​By Garry Boulard

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