The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department reminds the community to follow COVID-19 safe practices and the State Public Health Order (https://cv.nmhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/101620-PHO-1.pdf) still in place which includes:
- Wearing face coverings in public settings except when eating, drinking, or swimming.
- Practicing social distancing.
- Limiting the number of people gathering to five or fewer. (Violations can be reported to Covid-19, enforcement@state.nm.us. Provide the name of the location and address, if possible.)
All City parks and trails are currently open. The Parks and Recreation Department encourages community members to enjoy the outdoors while using public parks and trails but asks that everyone remain highly vigilant about following safety practices to protect themselves and others, which means avoiding risky mass gatherings.
Per the Governor’s public order, a “’mass gathering” means any public gathering, private gathering, organized event, ceremony, parade, organized amateur contact sport, or other grouping that brings together more than five individuals in in a single room or connected space, confined outdoor space or an open outdoor space.”
Phase 2 of the Parks and Recreation Department’s reopening plan was expanded recently to open more areas and provide limited services while remaining in compliance with the Governor’s lowered public health order restrictions. The expansion remains within the renewed health order and limited programs and services will continue as planned.
Phase 2 Expansion
Limited recreation services have been added which include access to the cardio/weight room, and table tennis sessions by reservations only. Cardio/Weight room reservations can be made one day in advance, one appointment per day per customer by calling 575/541-2563 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Table tennis sessions can be reserved by calling 575/541-2455 between 8 a.m. to noon.
Out-of-School Time Programs (OST) tutoring services are ongoing at community centers for Kindergarten through fifth and at Meerscheidt Recreation Center for teens, grades 6 to 12. Go to www.las-cruces.org/play and click online registration or call 575/541-2610 or 575/528-4247 or email ParksandRecAdmin@las-cruces.org.
Keep Las Cruces Beautiful (KLCB) program offers complimentary trash pick-up supplies for individuals or groups planning a volunteer clean up. Call 575/312-0531 to request supplies.
The Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center (RAC) and Frenger Pool are available for limited pool use by reservation only. The gym is also available at the RAC by appointment. Reservations can be made 24 hours in advance by calling 575/541-2782. The RAC will be closed for its annual inspection from November 8 to November 22. The upstairs fitness gym will also be closed beginning November 8 through November 11 for maintenance and cleaning and will reopen November 12.
Sports practice, league play, and tournaments on all City facilities (athletic fields and parks) remain closed per the Governor’s public health order. Fitness classes also remain closed. Permits for parks and recreational events are not being issued due to restrictions on group gatherings. Administration offices are closed to public.
Complete registration information, hours of operation and schedules can be found at www.las-cruces.org/COVID19ParkSchedule. To contact the Parks and Recreation Department Administration Offices, call 575/541-2550 or send an email to ParksandRecAdmin@las-cruces.org.