Bernalillo County has announced that it has been granted $410,000 by the State of New Mexico to advance enhancements to the Dolores Huerta Gateway Park. This initiative is a crucial part of the ongoing South Valley Main Street Program. The project, which supports a community-driven approach to corporate participation, aims to encourage economic growth and improve infrastructure, thereby strengthening the local community.
The planned improvements include a shaded picnic area, wall-seating in the Grower's Market section, and a new "gateway" structure/stage area. Modifications to existing shade structures are also on the cards, along with the addition of trees and enhancements to sidewalks and concrete fixtures, including power outlets. These changes aim to enhance comfort and functionality for vendors and patrons alike. The funding for these improvements comes from the Economic Development Department and New Mexico MainStreet, according to a press release by Bernalillo County.
District 2 Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada said in a press release by Bernalillo County: "Improving the Dolores Huerta Gateway Park has been a huge priority for me. It’s important that we make this park more accessible and more attractive to both vendors and patrons, which in turn gives the South Valley community greater access to healthy, organic local food. I’m proud of the work we’re doing with La Familia Growers Market and South Valley Main Street to make this market come alive for the people of the South Valley."
South Valley MainStreet Executive Director Bianca Encinias also shared her thoughts on this initiative in a press release by Bernalillo County: "The Dolores Huerta Gateway Park improvements made possible through this grant demonstrates the power of partnerships to create community-based economic development opportunities for local farmers, arts-n-craft vendors, food trucks, and musical performances to create positive outdoor public gathering spaces for community members. It has been an opportunity of a lifetime and we are thankful to Bernalillo County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada, Bernalillo County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, New Mexico Legislature, and the New Mexico Economic Development Department New Mexico MainStreet."
New Mexico MainStreet leads a grassroots network of over 40 programs and 1,200 communities across the country. The program aims to lead preservation-based economic development, according to the About webpage provided by New Mexico MainStreet.