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Parks & Rec Board outlines 2025 priorities: maintain existing facilities, pursue inclusive bike park options
Summary
Jerry Cowan, vice chair of the Parks and Recreation Board, told council the board's 2025 priorities emphasize implementing the Integrated Master Plan, ADA audit follow‑through, CIP input and maintaining aging facilities; a BMX track is on hold while a broader inclusive bike park concept receives public input.
Jerry Cowan, vice chair of the Los Alamos Parks and Recreation Board, presented the boards 2024 accomplishments and 2025 priorities at the March 18 work session.
Cowan said the board moved several subcommittees into working groups and supported capital and program items including BMX park discussions, a proposed bike park, White Rock Skate Park, playground work at 30 Seventh and Pinyon Park, and the trails and open space management plan. The board added four members in 2024 and has established new working groups for trails/open space and equine/livestock concerns.
The boards top priorities for 2025, Cowan said, are: assisting the Community Services Department with implementation of the Integrated Master Plan and the ADA Audit and Transition Plan; advising on public input for CIP projects (including a brewer arena grandstand, ice rink chiller project, artificial turf study and trails plan); and providing input on Rec Division programs (golf course, aquatic center and ice rink).
Cowan said many priorities are focused on maintaining and upgrading existing facilities rather than launching entirely new projects. He noted the BMX track proposal is on hold pending the North Mesa park master plan and that the bike park working group has surveyed the public (more than 200 responses) and is looking at inclusive facilities — pump tracks, skills parks and features for a range of ages and users, not solely a BMX facility.
A member of the public asked whether the Brewer Arena grandstand would be replaced or repaired; Cowan said the old grandstand has been removed and plans for a new, accessible grandstand with handicap parking and accessible routes are underway, similar to Sullivan Field access and seating.
Cowan and councilors discussed shade structures for the ice rink and the cost and execution risks for CIP projects given labor shortages and supply issues. Several councilors said they favor maintaining existing assets as a priority.
Why it matters: The Parks & Recreation Board advises county staff and council on CIP priorities and public amenities; choices about maintenance, accessibility and new facilities affect budget prioritization and program delivery.
Source: Presentation by Jerry Cowan, Los Alamos Parks and Recreation Board, March 18, 2025.
