Las Cruces Opens 5 Mn Dollars Pickleball Courts: Last week, the city of Las Cruces celebrated two significant projects funded by the 2022 general obligation bond. On September 13, city officials and staff held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for eight new pickleball courts at the East Mesa Recreational Complex. This was followed by a groundbreaking ceremony for a new fire station on Las Cruces’ far north end on September 17.
Pickleball Courts Opened
The pickleball courts are part of the $23 million GO Bonds approved in 2022. The East Mesa Recreational Complex bond received strong voter support, with 19,389 in favor (63 percent) and 11,396 against (37 percent). The $5 million allocated for this project complements the initial $7.8 million from a 2018 vote.
“This facility doesn’t come without the support of voters,” said Parks and Recreation Department Director Steven Bingham. Mayor Eric Enriquez highlighted that the development of this complex began in 2012 with a lease agreement from the Bureau of Land Management, finalized in 2014. The 10-acre park will feature pickleball courts, multi-sport fields, and plans for additional amenities like a skate park, basketball court, sand volleyball courts, and public art.
“What makes a community special and what makes it easier to recruit business is a great quality of life. This is a place that we can count on that’s going to draw people.” – (Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debbi Moore)
Fire Station Groundbreaking
The Fire Station 9 bond also saw overwhelming approval, with 22,974 votes in favor (77 percent) and 7,900 against (26 percent). The $10 million allocated will fund a new fire station in the rapidly growing East Mesa-North Sonoma Ranch area, which is also home to the under-construction Metro Verde development.
City Communications Director Mandy Guss expressed gratitude for community support: “On a larger scale, I also thank our community because they’re the ones who made this possible by voting yes in our last general obligation bond.” City Councilor Becky Corran, whose district will house the new station, noted that it would be the first fire station located north of Highway 70.
“This building will be all-electric, in the style of the Metro Verde Community.” – (Corran)
Las Cruces Fire Department Chief Jason Smith emphasized the broader impact of the new station.
“As we break ground today, we’re not just building a fire station; we’re strengthening our city’s safety, investing in our firefighters, and reinforcing our promise to protect this community.” – (Smith)
News in Brief: Las Cruces Opens 5 Mn Dollars Pickleball Courts
Las Cruces recently inaugurated new pickleball courts and broke ground for a new fire station funded by the 2022 general obligation bonds. The East Mesa Recreational Complex’s $5 million expansion, supported by 63% of voters, features new pickleball courts and plans for additional amenities.
The $10 million bond for Fire Station 9, approved by 77% of voters, will enhance emergency response in the growing East Mesa-North Sonoma Ranch area. Both projects reflect the city’s commitment to improving community facilities and safety.
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