Las Cruces, Doña Ana County projects receive state grants for outdoor recreation

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Outdoor Recreation Division has awarded more than $4 million in grants to 28 outdoor recreation projects across the state, including multiple initiatives in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County. The funding, part of the FY25 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant program, aims to enhance public access to outdoor spaces, improve infrastructure, and support local economies.

The City of Las Cruces received a $1 million grant for the first phase of a regional bike park at the East Mesa Sports Complex. Plans for the 80-acre facility include a National Interscholastic Cycling Association course, cross-country trails, slopestyle tracks, dirt jumps, a pump park, a dual slalom course and trails for adaptive bikes. The park will also include accessible signage, seating areas, parking with van-friendly loading zones and ADA-compliant paths.

"Las Cruces is thrilled to receive this grant for phase one of the regional bike park," Mayor Eric Enriquez said. "This initiative will enhance recreational opportunities, diversify our park system, and support our local economy by attracting visitors and promoting active outdoor lifestyles."

Another local project, managed by Insights Science Discovery, was awarded $117,543 for enhancements to the DinoTracks outdoor pavilion and trailhead. The funding will go toward installing accessible waterless toilets, adding native landscaping with rainwater harvesting and improving signage at the popular paleontological site near the Rio Grande.

For the full list of grant recipients or to apply for the fourth and final round of FY25 Trails+ Grant funding, visit www.NMOutside.com. The application deadline is March 14, 2025.