Rio Rancho outlines park projects: trails, signage, pickleball design and pool equipment replacements

City parks staff provided commissioners with a rundown of capital and maintenance projects under way or in design across Rio Rancho parks.

Projects Division Manager Diane Saunier said Enchanted Hills neighborhood trail replacement is in design and partially supported by a state grant, and Campus Park will receive monument signs funded through the higher education gross receipts tax to improve placemaking and wayfinding. "It's intended to let people know that they have truly arrived at Campus Park and to help with placemaking and wayfinding for the park," Saunier said.

Saunier said Sierra Norte Phase 2 design work includes plans for a pickleball complex, parking and an internal facility path. Sports Complex North Phase 3 will add one of the smaller Little League fields to the west of a recently constructed concession building, and King Meadows parking lot replacement is scheduled as part of current work.

Saunier also updated the commission on recent and near‑term construction: the Star Heights shade structure (funded through CDBG grants) is under construction with a target of completion before May; equipment orders are in process for Haines pool pump replacement with a goal of completing work before the May 1 pool season start; Rainbow pool pump replacement is delayed by longer equipment delivery and likely will occur after the 2026 season; and the Haines pool parking lot replacement is tentatively scheduled for the fall after the pool season.

Commissioners were given copies of flyers and a March newsletter with more detail and were told staff can email materials and links to commissioners for outreach and review.