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Santa Fe, NM - Santa Fe County is excited to announce the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Nicholas Sanchez Park, a newly transformed open space property into a modest community space created through a committed partnership between the County, dedicated residents of the Carlson Subdivision, and the New Mexico State Legislature.

Located at 14 Emily Road, this third-acre park, originally donated by Conrad and Emily Carlson, has been converted into a family-friendly area with an ADA-compliant fenced playground designed by Andrea Neal from Exerplay. The park features age-appropriate playsets, a swing set, half-court basketball pad, picnic shelters with tables and grills, and concrete pathways connecting all amenities.

The spirit of community organizing among the Carlson Subdivision residents was truly the catalyst for the creation of the park, as they worked tirelessly alongside Santa Fe County to secure $50,000 in funding from the New Mexico State Legislature with generous support by Senator Liz Stefanics and Representative Reena Szczepanski. This funding, combined with the County's commitment of $160,000, has enabled the construction of the park, which was completed and open to the community on January 2, 2024. The development of the park provides a much-needed community gather space and opportunities for health activity and exercise for children. 

On March 28, 2023, Commissioner Hank Hughes (D-5) sponsored a resolution renaming Carlson Park as the Nicholas Sanchez Park in honor of the late Santa Fe County Adult Detention Officer who tragically passed away one month before his 20th birthday in a 4-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 14 Emily Road Santa Fe, NM 87508 in the Carlson Subdivision. Members of the community, local officials, and families are invited to join us 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.

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