Rio Rancho outlines park upgrades including shade structures, trail replacement and new pickleball courts
May 18, 2026 | Rio Rancho, Sandoval County, New Mexico
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Diane Saunier, Projects Division Manager, told the Parks and Recreation Commission on May 18 that several park improvements are either finished or moving toward construction, driven by a mix of grant, bond and impact-fee dollars. "It turned out really well," Saunier said of a CDBG COVID-funded 30-by-30 shade structure at Star Heights Park that includes three benches and two picnic tables and required no city match.
Saunier said staff is seeking updated cost estimates to replace a shade topper, playground equipment and surfacing at the same park and may replace a water fountain using funds from the city's 2024 general-obligation bond. She reported the city used a 2024 CDBG award to install a skate park and 2024 GO bond money to replace deteriorated asphalt basketball courts with new concrete courts.
The commission also heard that the city is finalizing design work for Sports Complex North Phase 3, a full Little League field with artificial turf, bleachers, lighting and dugouts. "The city did recently receive funding from the state to help make up the difference for what the city already had in park impact fees for that project," Saunier said, adding staff hopes to have bid documents ready this month.
On trails, Saunier described design funding for the Enchanted Hills Trail replacement (about 3.3 miles of 12-foot trail). She said the city intends to apply for the New Mexico Recreation Trails Plus construction grant; she told commissioners each of the two construction phases would cost more than $1,000,000 and require a 50/50 city match.
Saunier closed with plans for Sierra Norte 2 Park phase 2, which leadership selected to include eight pickleball courts, parking, a grass lawn and required street landscaping. She said, contingent on the 2026 bond sale, upcoming procurements will include skate park equipment replacement and playground work at the Rio Rancho Sports Complex and Sugar Park.
The update was presented with no formal action; Saunier said she will report back to the commission as procurement and grant work progress.
Saunier said staff is seeking updated cost estimates to replace a shade topper, playground equipment and surfacing at the same park and may replace a water fountain using funds from the city's 2024 general-obligation bond. She reported the city used a 2024 CDBG award to install a skate park and 2024 GO bond money to replace deteriorated asphalt basketball courts with new concrete courts.
The commission also heard that the city is finalizing design work for Sports Complex North Phase 3, a full Little League field with artificial turf, bleachers, lighting and dugouts. "The city did recently receive funding from the state to help make up the difference for what the city already had in park impact fees for that project," Saunier said, adding staff hopes to have bid documents ready this month.
On trails, Saunier described design funding for the Enchanted Hills Trail replacement (about 3.3 miles of 12-foot trail). She said the city intends to apply for the New Mexico Recreation Trails Plus construction grant; she told commissioners each of the two construction phases would cost more than $1,000,000 and require a 50/50 city match.
Saunier closed with plans for Sierra Norte 2 Park phase 2, which leadership selected to include eight pickleball courts, parking, a grass lawn and required street landscaping. She said, contingent on the 2026 bond sale, upcoming procurements will include skate park equipment replacement and playground work at the Rio Rancho Sports Complex and Sugar Park.
The update was presented with no formal action; Saunier said she will report back to the commission as procurement and grant work progress.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
