The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department will expand the Phase 2 status for parks and recreational programs that follows COVID-19 safe practices and the State Public Health Order (https://cv.nmhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/091820-PHO.pdf) still in place which includes:
1. Wearing face coverings in public settings except when eating, drinking, or swimming.
2. Practicing social distancing.
3. Limiting the numbers of people gathering to 10 or fewer. (Violations can be reported to COVID-19, enforcement@state.nm.us. Provide name of location and address if possible.)
As a result of the most recent lowering of restrictions mandated by the Governor’s Office and New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), the Parks and Recreation Department will adjust its Phase 2 plan accordingly to reopen park areas and provide limited services while remaining in compliance with the Governor’s public health order.
The following information is current as of Monday, September 28. Parks and Recreation Department updates are available at www.las-cruces.org/COVID19ParkSchedule.
Open trails and public parks – All city parks will begin reopening on Monday, September 28, and park staff will begin working to restore amenities that were removed or have not been used since the pandemic closure began. Restrictions outlined for wearing masks or face coverings (to be worn in public settings even while exercising, per current public health order), the group size of 10 or less, and social distancing remain in place. Park restrooms will be reopened. Water fountains and play areas will remain closed per recommendations of NMDOH safe practices (https://cv.nmhealth.org/covid-safe-practices/).
Pickleball, tennis, and handball Courts – Court usage will revert to open play and normal hours on Monday, September 28, 2020.
Pools – The Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E. Hadley Ave. and Frenger Pool, 800 Parkview Drive will expand capacity in accordance with the Governor’s Emergency Public Health Order still in place and NMDOH safe practices on Monday, September 28. Outdoor pools remain closed as well as splash pads and fountains.
Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center – Pool sessions will continue to be offered by reservation only. All current COVID-19 guidelines remain in place. Reservations can be made 24 hours in advance by calling 575/541-2782.
· Hours (Current Fall/Winter Hours will not change):
- 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday
- Closed Sunday
- No rentals of the facility at this time.
· Pool Use Expansion:
- The activity pool area will be designated for recreation use.
- Swim channel capacity will be increased from two to four swimmers with distancing by appointment only, one appointment per swimmer per day for a 45-minute session.
- Lap swimming will continue to be available by appointment only, one swimmer per lane, one appointment per swimmer per day for a 45-minute session.
- Cleansing showers will be provided as required by the New Mexico Environmental Department. All other areas of changing rooms will remain closed.
Frenger Pool – Pool sessions will continue to be offered by reservation only. All current COVID-19 guidelines remain in place. Reservations can be made 24 hours in advance by calling 575/541-2782.
· Hours (Current Fall/Winter Hours will not change):
- 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday to Friday
- Closed Saturday and Sunday
- No rentals of the facility at this time.
· Pool Use Expansion:
- Lap swim capacity will increase to reflect a recently increased group number of 10 or fewer.
- Lanes will be designated for single swimmer use and lanes for circle swimming use with proper distancing.
- Lap swimming will continue to be available by appointment only, one swimmer per lane, one appointment per swimmer per day for one 45-minute session.
- Cleansing showers will be provided as required by the New Mexico Environmental Department. All other areas of changing rooms will remain closed.
Facilities and Athletic Fields – Meerscheidt Recreation Center, Frank O’Brien Community Center, and East Mesa Recreation Center will reopen on Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, for specific recreational programming. Staff is preparing facilities and schedules are being finalized for a smooth transition. More information will be made available soon.
Athletic fields remain closed for leagues and associations but will be available for limited use by recreation staff for programming.
Out-of-School Time Programs (OST) – Tutoring services are on-going. Go to www.las-cruces.org/play and click on-line registration or call 575/541-2610, 528-4247, or email ParksandRecAdmin@las-cruces.org.
Keep Las Cruces Beautiful (KLCB) Program activities – Trash pick-up supplies are available for volunteer cleanups. Call 575/312-0531 to request supplies.
Operational closure status:
· Sports practice, league play, and tournaments on all City facilities (athletic fields and parks) remain closed per Governor’s public health order.
· Parks and recreational permits are not being issued due to restrictions on group gatherings.
· Youth and adult programming - Limited programs scheduled to begin October 12.
· Fitness classes remain closed.
· Administration offices are closed to the public.
For more information, visit www.las-cruces.org/COVID19ParkSchedule. Contact Parks and Recreation Department Administration Offices by calling 575/541-2550 or by email at ParksandRecAdmin@las-cruces.org.