Page 76 - 2019 Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide

76 | Las Vegas & San Miguel Co. Visitors Guide 2019
GALLINAS pARK REvITALIzATION
A Project to Revitalize the Gallinas River Park in Las Vegas
Not every town is lucky enough to have a river running through it; Las Vegas, NM is. It was founded on the banks of the Gallinas River, and the river contin- ues to support our community’s livelihood. However, 150 years of use has taken its toll on the river and its vitality is not what it could be.
Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance and a group of community organizations, local schools, government entities and individuals have begun working to trans- form the Gallinas River and Park into the centerpiece of our town; a place for all to be proud of and enjoy.
The Gallinas River Park, with the main access at the Bridge Street river cross- ing, is an underutilized, underappreciated and often neglected gem in the center of town. Its revitalization to a vibrant, beautiful and multipurpose park is un- derway and will benefit Las Vegas’s culture, tradition, outdoor recreation oppor- tunities, environment, economy and quality of life.
Walk along the Gallinas River from Bridge Street downstream toward Inde- pendence Street and you’ll see for yourself, the transformation that is underway. Using state of the art, river restoration techniques and amazing restoration experts, the river from Bridge Str. downstream a 1/3 of a mile have been re- stored to more resemble its former self. This section of river was straightened during the city’s industrial days. Lost were meanders of a healthy river, pools for fish, falls that make the river gurgle and oxygenate the water. Restoration has brought back these features, returning the river to a bubbling, winding, beauti-
ful place for people, fish and wildlife.
Work to revitalize the river and park will undoubtedly take many years. It’s
an approximately $5 million effort – a lot to pull off for a small, poor town. But with the entire community jumping in to help in their own way its going to progress each year. So, keep watching for the changes.
• A conceptual design for the park from Mills Ave. to Grand Ave. is completed
• The Gallinas River Park Collaborative has been formed and actively coordinates the revitalization
• River and bosque restoration completed along 1/3 mile
• Two interpretive signs designed by West Las Vegas High School
students were installed; 4 more are funded and will be installed in 2019
• Six bat boxes will be installed in April 2019
• San Miguel County has plans to resurface the walking trail in 2019 • A search for funding to develop construction ready drawings for the
park is underway
• The 7th annual Gallinas River Cleanup is scheduled for April 27th • The 3rd annual Gallinas Riverfest is scheduled for September 28th
• An easily accessible, beautiful, nature based, park will improve our overall quality of life.
• A place in the center of town that reflects and honors our unique cultural identify will foster community pride.
• By connecting east and west Las Vegas on the banks of the Gallinas River our sense of social connection and common ground will improve.
• Using interpretive signs and other methods, a communal outdoor space will showcase our town’s unique culture and history.
• A restored river and bosque will benefit our water supply and watershed functions, air quality, urban fish and wildlife habitat, and the sense of a healthy environment. A healthier environment will foster our physical and
mental health.
• Green infrastructure, like rainwater gardens, will harvest and treat
stormwater.
• Outdoor recreation opportunities - biking, walking, skating, fishing,
picnicking, bird and butterfly watching and just hanging out.
• Community gardens and orchards, urban forestry, traditional, edible and medicinal plants will add beauty, utility and a moister and cooler climate
in our urban center.
• Las Vegas residents, including young people, that feel pride in their
community are more likely to stay here.
• A revitalized Gallinas River Park will attract tourists and provide local
business development opportunities in a culturally appropriate and
sustainable manner.
• A space for public art like sculptures, spaces for painting, photography
and music.
• A place for education opportunities for young and old with local
schools and life-long learners.
• Infrastructure (trash receptacles, good lighting) and policing will facilitate a safe, clean and comfortable setting that emulates community pride and care.
Work that has happened so far or is planned soon includes:
Here’s a peak of the new planned park features and their benefits: