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Taos council signals preference for full-size softball fields at Filimon Sanchez Park
Summary
Consultants and parks staff presented two schematic directions for Filimon Sanchez Park: a tournament-focused layout with three 300-foot softball fields or a multi-use plan including courts. Council members favored regulation-size fields and asked staff to return with a single schematic and cost proposal.
Town parks staff and Living Design Group presented schematic options for the Filimon Sanchez park complex on Nov. 26, laying out trade-offs between a tournament-scale softball complex and a multi-use park that would include basketball or pickleball courts and expanded parking.
Doug Patterson of Living Design Group reviewed older studies and two design alternatives: one that yields three regulation (300-foot) softball fields suitable for USSSA-sanctioned tournaments, and a second multi-use layout that sacrifices consistent outfield depth to accommodate courts and additional amenities.
Parks and Recreation director Tony Strzok and Councilor Ortega urged the council to prioritize tournament-sized fields to attract regional sports tourism and meet community feedback. Mayor Maestas and other councilors asked staff to consider parking needs, drainage and whether some court functions might be built at Kit Carson Park or EcoPark instead.
Staff said the next step is to engage Living Design Group under contract to produce a finite schematic and construction documents and return with a single recommended option and cost proposal. Council directed staff to pursue an approach that preserves at least two full-size tournament fields and to bring community input through the Parks & Rec advisory board and an upcoming public workshop.
No formal vote was taken; staff will return with a design contract and final schematic for council review.
