Los Alamos County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Los Alamos County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
North Mesa Recreation Area
Council moved an extra $1 million from a contingency into the North Mesa bike park phase one on top of $500K in the FY 27 budget, to speed progress. Councilor Cull voted against it, worried about dedicating money before design is done.
Fire Station #4 Art Project
The county has $20,000 set aside for art at the new fire station, but a bigger commissioned piece could be done by pooling funds with the state — costing the county at least $80,000 and taking two to three years. The board wants a month to think before recommending anything to Council.
Public Art Conservation and Maintenance
The August visit from Pacific Coast Conservation found the outdoor collection in good shape, but fixing Corky, the Ashley Pond pony painted black by a prior conservator, got pushed so the new senior center artwork could get its required UV coating — leaving a budget shortfall for the contract's final year.
Dino World Project Pending
A status update on the dinosaur-themed playground project. No action taken — the project is still moving through its current phase.
Snowmaking project delays at the ice rink
Pump skid deliveries, SCADA integration, fiber work, and tank disinfection are delaying the snowmaking system, though the project manager says the December 15 contractual obligation will be met — assuming snow conditions cooperate.
Myrtle Street Pickleball Court
The Board heard where the Myrtle Street pickleball court project stands. Pickleball players in town are watching this one closely.
NRPA Gold Medal Finalist Recognition
Los Alamos's parks department was one of four national finalists for the NRPA Gold Medal Award in its population category. It didn't win, but the recognition is a big deal for local recreation services.
Piñon Pool reopening under county operation
The county leased the Piñon Pool property for a nominal $1 and spent months cleaning, repairing and inspecting it. It reopens May 23 with daily hours, but repairs come at county expense since the lease is essentially free.
Olympic Pool Mechanical System Improvements
The aquatic center's 38-year-old Olympic Pool pumps are being replaced with a redundant pump-and-filter setup so one failure won't shut down the pool. Work happens during the current closure, with swimmers expected back by November.
Walkup Aquatic Center Closure and East Park Pool Partnership
The Aquatic Center's $3.3 million rehab hit a pump manufacturing delay, keeping the pool closed into January 2027. Twelve residents urged the county to help keep East Park Pool open with lifeguards or support, but staff said procurement rules, staffing shortages, and lifeguards' unwillingness to work outdoors block a quick deal; an Española MOU is being finalized.
Library Annual Report
Circulation of physical items is declining while digital use and adult programming grow, and staff say they can't add programs without more resources. The data will feed the library's strategic plan.
Library software migration
The library's system migration is going well, with staff training set for the week after Labor Day and go-live still scheduled for September 3.
Youth programming gap for sixth graders
A parent flagged that sixth graders, kept on elementary campuses but considered middle schoolers, can't access middle-school library programs like anime and manga clubs.