Parks and Recreation reports staffing gaps, park repairs and program plans; Filimon Sanchez Park groundbreaking set for Aug. 29

Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Vigil updated the council on department operations, maintenance work and upcoming capital projects at the Aug. 12 meeting.

Key points - Staffing and operations: The recreation division has four staff and four vacancies; parks similarly reported four filled positions and four vacancies. Vigil said staff are working seven days a week and that the department expects to return to full seven-day operations in November when the ice season begins. - Irrigation and park repairs: Kit Carson Park had a well-pump replacement; staff awaited a custom control box that delayed automatic irrigation and required manual monitoring. Fred Baca Park irrigation breaks caused by tree roots were repaired and a planned parking-lot improvement and trail renovations were scheduled with Sunland Asphalt later in the month. - Culvert and pump-track planning: Parks staff met with the Acequia Association about culvert replacement at Kit Carson Park and plan to perform the work in spring. Staff also reported pursuing a Trails Plus grant to fund a pump track/bike-jump area at the Disc Golf Park. - Noxious weeds: Staff identified approximately 20 mature tamarisk trees at Disc Golf Park covering about a quarter-acre and plan to work with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps to remove them. - Filimon Sanchez Park: Construction documents are complete and staff scheduled a groundbreaking for Aug. 29 at 10 a.m.; staff estimated construction will take about 12 months once started and will return to council with final quotes and approvals. - Aquatics and ice-rink support: Aquatics operations reported a successful summer program and a new aquatic supervisor. Vigil credited a Detron HVAC vendor for identifying a fix that likely saved the town close to $1 million compared with a full unit replacement previously budgeted at $1.1 million; staff characterized the final repair cost as under $100,000. - Library and grants: The library's annual report required by the New Mexico Administrative Code was submitted on Aug. 8; staff expect roof and HVAC work to begin in the coming weeks and said a likely one-week closure is possible during construction. The department closed out a Lohr Foundation grant to install five water fountains. - Accessibility and inclusion programs: The department is partnering with Taos Autism & Neurodivergence Group to create sensory boxes and loaner lanyards/wristbands marked with the sunflower hidden-disability symbol for events. Staff also described an after-school snack program in development.

Why it matters The update covered both daily operations and larger capital projects that affect park access, maintenance and special events. The department said it is operating with fewer staff than budgeted but continuing to deliver programs and scheduled upgrades.

Next steps Staff will return to council with final construction quotes for Filimon Sanchez Park, pursue grants for trail and pump-track projects, and post public-notice information about the library closure once contractor schedules are confirmed.