Parks Superintendent Jeff Humpton points out the improvements planned for the pocket park on Walnut Street. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com 
Parks and Recreation Division Manager Chris Wilson checks out the park on Ridgeway. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.comBy KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
Los Alamos pocket parks are prized possessions; they are enjoyed by joggers, hikers, bicyclists and dog walkers, plus the tot lots with playground equipment are hot spots for young children and their parents.
Parks and Recreation Division Manager Chris Wilson said these parks are assets to the community. “It’s a great place for a picnic; if you got little ones … it’s a great place to make memories,” he said.
Wilson added these parks “really play a key part in filling out a neighborhood.”
However, time, changing standards and wear and tear have resulted in some parks needing refreshment; as a result, the Los Alamos County’s Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces staff are updating these pocket parks.
The pocket parks receiving attention are on Walnut Street, 37th Street, Ridgeway and in Overlook Park. East Park and Urban Park also are receiving some upgrades.
The improvements range from installation of new features to the replacement of sand base materials to engineered wood fiber for improved fall zone protection and ADA access. Safety improvements also are a big part of the renovation effort, including the removal barb wire and damaged chain link fencing along with the removal and replacement of broken concrete borders with appropriate surrounds. These natural areas are also receiving attention to their forestry needs with the removal of non-natives, pruning and general cleanup.
Some of the renovations at Overlook Park Play Lot in White Rock include demolition such as removing a ramp to the soccer field as well as removing park benches and taking away all sand.
Other projects include building a retaining wall on the west side of the play lot, repairing low blocks used as a perimeter of the permit, installing a low wall/planter as well as four park benches, barbecue, picnic tables and trash receptacles.
Urban Park will receive engineered wood fibers as well as some additional playground equipment for younger children. At East Park, the restrooms were upgraded, improvements were made to the dog park and it now offers playgrounds for children, toddlers and infants.
The Parks Department will spend $20,000 on the various pocket parks and tot lots throughout town. Additionally, $14,000 in the park’s budget will go to concession stand improvements in Overlook as well as $18,000 for Overlook’s tot lot. Some $12,000 was spent on East Park and another $12,000 will be invested in Urban.
The Parks assessment completed in March of 2000 was referenced in the establishment of these projects. Parks Superintendent Jeff Humpton has reviewed and updated this assessment to use as a guide in future renovations. The goal is to complete by June 18 those projects funded as a part of FY 18 budget.
There has been correspondence with residents who live near, or next to, the different parks and signs are posted at the parks explaining the work being done, the schedules and the contact information, should anyone want more information.
People are taking notice of the work, Wilson said, “We’re getting a lot of comments as people are coming through, saying ‘that looks better.’”
One of the biggest achievements is East Park, which offers playground equipment for children, toddlers and infants, trails accessible to senior citizens, a dog park for small and large dogs, basketball courts, mini golf and other amenities. Humpton said when he first came to town, East Park was “dead” … a no man’s land. “Now this is one of our main parks, he said, adding that “there’s somebody enjoying this park all the time.”
County workers rope off a section of pavement that has been upturned by tree roots at the park on Ridgeway. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com