Tanya StrubleCOMMUNITY News:
JEMEZ SPRINGS — Tanya Struble, co-owner of Giggling Springs Hot Springs and Gaining Ground Realty Inc. in Jemez Springs, New Mexico, will be honored as a “woman of influence” at the Albuquerque Business First Women of Influence dinner on March 17.
Struble has served on numerous boards and volunteer committees in Jemez Springs and helped revive the Jemez Valley Business Association to encourage area businesses to work together.
More than 20 years ago, Struble and her partner, Therese Counselor, completely renovated the hot springs facility known as Giggling Springs, making it one of the top attractions in Jemez Springs. But establishing it wasn’t easy.
“There were so many hurdles we had to overcome when we first purchased what is now Giggling Springs – everyone told us the property was overpriced, the buildings were falling apart, not to mention the difficulties we didn’t know about then,” Struble recalls. “Since that time, we’ve restored every building on the property except the original bath house which the NM Historic Alliance placed on their ‘most endangered places of New Mexico’ list. Even though I’ve had a long list of challenging moments, they have defined my career and me.”
Giggling Springs is the only outdoor hot springs in Jemez Springs regulated by the NM Environment Department, since chlorine is not used in an effort to abide by green technologies. A combination of ionizers, ultra violet light and oxygen inversion naturally disinfect the hot springs, and flow thru pools allow water to change out.
Struble anticipates more visitation to the village and Giggling Springs this year resulting from the designation of Valles Caldera National Preserve as a national park. Giggling Springs will be upgrading soon with the addition of a pool and landscaped seating area.
Albuquerque Business Firsts’ Women of Influence Awards brings together some of the most powerful and innovative women in New Mexico. Out of more than 150 nominations, 30 honorees have been chosen for recognition at the event.
The 2016 Women of Influence dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., March 17 with a cocktail reception followed by a dinner and awards ceremony. The event takes place at Sandia Resort and Casino, located at 30 Rainbow Rd. in Albuquerque.
For more information about Giggling Springs, visit here. For information about the Village of Jemez Springs, visit here.
