Council to set course for aquatic, recreation center

When Doña Ana County’s lawmakers secured more than $18 million in 2006 to create an aquatic and recreation facility in Las Cruces, most intended that it be a multipurpose facility similar to the Genoveva Chavez Center in Santa Fe.

It quickly became clear that the money wouldn’t fully fund the desires of everyone in the community. A well-organized group that has pushed for more city pools in recent years immediately tried to stake its claim to the funding and is pushing hard for an Olympic-sized, 50-meter pool.

Many lawmakers have pushed back, saying a smaller, 25-meter pool would leave money for other purposes including basketball courts and weight-lifting areas.

The Las Cruces City Council is set to decide on April 9 the direction the facility will take.

Rep. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, organized all Doña Ana County lawmakers last year to pitch in for the project, and also secured a pledge from Gov. Bill Richardson for $5 million. It was viewed at the time as an unusually efficient way to pool together and fund a major project that could be built quickly.

Capital outlay is usually appropriated in smaller amounts and stored up over time toward a project.

A number of residents showed up to Monday’s council meeting to push for the 50-meter pool. Four lawmakers also showed up, and three of them pushed for the creation of a multipurpose facility.

“I think the intent was very clear, and I hope you’ll honor that intent,” Cervantes told councilors. “The goal was to have a very broad, multipurpose recreation center.”

Sen. Mary Kay Papen and Rep. Mary Helen Garcia, D-Las Cruces, agreed. But Rep. Joni Gutierrez, D-Las Cruces, sided with the Olympic poll advocates.

“My intent was a swimming pool as a first priority,” Gutierrez said.

All expressed willingness to consider appropriating additional state money for the project, and discussed the possibility of building the center in phases. Gutierrez suggested starting with the pool and adding on other components later.

“We’ll be happy to give you money again,” she said.

Garcia suggested that those pushing for a larger pool might come up with additional funds. Councilor Ken Miyagishima also mentioned the possibility of bonds to expand the facility.

The decision rests with the council, not legislators. At next week’s meeting, councilors will give city staff direction on how to prioritize various components they want included in the facility, which is to be built on the corner of Hadley Avenue and Solano Drive. Mayor Bill Mattiace said he is optimistic a compromise can be found.

“I think we’ll build something that will be a win/win for the entire community,” he said.

Mattiace urged lawmakers to ask Doña Ana County to consider pitching in for maintenance and operation costs, since the center is intended to serve the entire county.

Cervantes said he would do that.

“The goal is to make this countywide,” he said.