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Los Alamos County accepts North Mesa Recreation Master Plan, no funding pledged
Summary
The County Council accepted the North Mesa Recreation Master Plan after a lengthy public hearing; the plan outlines phased park improvements — including a bike skills area and a multiuse pavilion — with no construction funding committed and an estimated phased cost of about $12.9 million.
Los Alamos County Council voted unanimously Jan. 27 to accept the North Mesa Recreation Area Master Plan, a community‑driven blueprint that lays out phased improvements including a bike skills park, trail repairs, habitat work, community gardens and a proposed multiuse pavilion.
Consultants and staff emphasized the plan is a design and implementation guide, not a funding authorization. "This is a master plan — it's not funding in place for it and it's not set in stone," Bob Oberdorfer said during the presentation. He outlined phased priorities driven by public feedback, with a Phase 1 priority focus on a bike park and pump‑track alongside pathway rehabilitation.
The plan lists estimated costs by phase: Phase 1 (bike park and related infrastructure) at about $3,500,000; Phase 3 (sand volleyball and dog park improvements) about $1,300,000; Phase 4 (expanded community gardens) about $800,000; a multiuse pavilion and food‑truck plaza about $4,000,000; plus miscellaneous improvements. Consultants estimated a phased grand total near $12,900,000 including a 15% contingency.
Dozens of residents and user groups spoke during an extended public comment period. Mountain bike clubs and parents urged the council to prioritize a bike park and youth skills area. Los Alamos Derby and other indoor‑sport advocates urged the pavilion be prioritized so local teams could practice year‑round; multiple speakers said tournaments would bring visitors and economic activity.
Equestrian users raised safety concerns about shared trail use. "The addition of a bike park on North Mesa will likely increase horse‑bike interactions on the Coagay and surrounding trail systems," said Krista Sawchuk, a lot owner at North Mesa Stables, asking the county to fund signage, education and other measures to reduce collisions.
Councilors and staff said acceptance was a necessary first step before the county can consider capital budgeting and grant applications. Councilor Hahn, who made the motion to accept, and other councilors noted the plan must compete for capital funding in future budget cycles: "The budget gets published... and that's where this actually gets funded," the chair said.
The acceptance does not obligate construction; councilors said implementation timing will depend on annual budget priorities and future grant opportunities. Staff recommended continued community engagement, incorporation of mitigation steps to address existing uses, and phased approaches that allow the county to respond to changing priorities and funding availability.
