Santa Fe Standard

Santa Fe County, New Mexico, has announced the opening of Nicholas Sanchez Park, a newly transformed open space that is the result of a committed partnership between the county, residents of the Carlson Subdivision, and the New Mexico State Legislature. The park is located at 14 Emily Road and spans one-third of an acre. It was originally donated by Conrad and Emily Carlson.

The park has been designed as a family-friendly area with an ADA-compliant fenced playground by Andrea Neal from Exerplay. It features age-appropriate playsets, a swing set, half-court basketball pad, picnic shelters with tables and grills, and concrete pathways connecting all amenities.

Residents of the Carlson Subdivision played a crucial role in establishing the park. They worked tirelessly alongside Santa Fe County to secure $50,000 in funding from the New Mexico State Legislature with support from Senator Liz Stefanics and Representative Reena Szczepanski. This funding was combined with $160,000 committed by the county to enable construction of the park. The park was completed and opened to the community on January 2, 2024.

On March 28, 2023, Commissioner Hank Hughes (D-5) sponsored a resolution renaming Carlson Park as Nicholas Sanchez Park in honor of a late Santa Fe County Adult Detention Officer who tragically passed away one month before his 20th birthday in a four-wheeling accident.

"The neighborhood collaborated with us to make the park happen and we were inspired by their enthusiasm," said County Commissioner Hank Hughes. "This park will not only provide a space for recreation and leisure but will also serve as a lasting tribute to Nicholas's who was a Correctional Officer for Santa Fe County and had a passion for outdoor recreation and public safety."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Nicholas Sanchez Park will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM at its location in the Carlson Subdivision. Members of the community, local officials, and families are invited to join for refreshments, free bike helmets and other injury prevention giveaways provided by CHRISTUS St. Vincent Regional Medical Center.

For more information about Nicholas Sanchez Park and the ribbon-cutting event, please contact Gabriel Bustos, Constituent Services Liaison (D-5) at 505-986-6202 or gcbustos@santafecountynm.gov.