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Parks superintendent: department to be fully staffed next week; irrigation breaks and fountain repairs ongoing
Summary
Parks Superintendent Charles Fernandez said Aug. 19 the parks department will reach full staffing next Monday for the first time since 2019, but crews are contending with widespread irrigation breaks and several park fountains remain out of service pending parts.
Charles Fernandez, Rio Rancho parks superintendent, told the Parks and Recreation Commission on Aug. 19 that the department will be fully staffed next Monday for the first time since 2019, with two seasonal positions still open.
"Next Monday, we'll finally be full staffed, which is something that hasn't happened since 2019," Fernandez said, noting that the additional staff will help with maintenance and responses to service calls.
Fernandez said crews have faced a high number of irrigation breaks across the city this growing season, affecting emitters, drip tubing, xeriscape areas and traditional sprinklers. He attributed some delays to the difficulty of scheduling spraying and irrigation work while vegetation is actively growing and parks remain in heavy use.
He also reported that water fountains at Rio Vista, Sierra Norte, North Hills and the dog water station at Rainbow have been out because replacement parts are still in transit. "They've been ordered already for a few months," he said, and installations will be scheduled when the parts arrive.
Fernandez added that a large canopy at Gateway Park that had been missing for months has been replaced. He invited questions from commissioners and offered to follow up on specific park concerns.
What’s next: staff will continue repairs as parts arrive and will provide updates if additional staffing or procurement actions are required.
