The City of Santa Fe and Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects announced on April 21 that the Cañada Rincon Trail project has received a 2026 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) New Mexico.
The recognition highlights the importance of the trail in expanding Santa Fe’s regional trail network and improving access for pedestrians and bicyclists. The award underscores how collaborative efforts can lead to infrastructure projects that benefit local communities.
Completed in February 2025, the multiuse trail stretches for 0.38 miles with a width of ten feet, connecting Calle Mejía to Camino Francisca/Avenida Rincón. According to city officials, this development is part of over a decade-long collaboration focused on creating a safe, accessible, and environmentally sensitive corridor. The project involved partnerships with several stakeholders such as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization, Reserve Homeowners Association, and state and federal agencies. Funding was secured through cooperation between the New Mexico Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and City of Santa Fe.
The design features sustainability measures including native landscaping, drainage solutions, retaining structures integrated into the environment, privacy fencing addressing community concerns, ADA-compliant pathways for accessibility, improved sightlines for safety, and durable materials for long-term use. Project representatives said: “The Cañada Rincon Trail represents what can be achieved through strong partnerships, thoughtful design, and a shared commitment to community. This recognition from ACEC highlights the project’s lasting impact on connectivity, recreation, and quality of life in Santa Fe.”
Now open to the public after its completion last year in February 2025, the trail provides an important link between neighborhoods, schools, and open spaces. It transforms what was once considered a challenging corridor into an asset valued by residents.
The award was presented at an ACEC gala held on April 17 at Sandia Golf Club.
