Las Cruces residents demand skate park progress and community improvements

The Las Cruces City Council meeting held on April 21, 2025, addressed several community concerns, particularly regarding recreational facilities and public safety.

The meeting began with a resident expressing frustration over the prolonged closure of the skate park, which has been under construction for nearly a year without visible progress. The speaker highlighted the recent installation of a new fence at the Maershai Recreation Center, questioning why other projects are advancing while the skate park remains stagnant. The resident, a single parent, also raised concerns about the affordability of access to recreational facilities, suggesting the implementation of discounts for low-income families, such as those receiving SNAP benefits.

Another resident, Steven Jaramillo, a lifelong Las Cruces resident and retired Air Force veteran, shared his experiences with the city's bicycle trails. He expressed concern about the safety of cyclists, particularly regarding the presence of e-bikes on shared trails. Jaramillo pointed out specific locations where safety measures, such as crosswalks and flashing signals, are lacking, leading to dangerous situations for cyclists and pedestrians alike. He noted a tragic incident involving a fatality due to inadequate crosswalks on Solano.

Both residents emphasized the need for community engagement and collaboration to improve recreational opportunities and safety in Las Cruces. The meeting concluded with city officials, including the parks director and city manager, being encouraged to address these concerns and provide further information on the status of the skate park and safety improvements for cyclists.

Overall, the discussions highlighted a strong community desire for enhanced recreational facilities and improved safety measures, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues for the well-being of residents, particularly children. The council is expected to follow up on these matters in future meetings.