Sandoval Board Backs Special Park

The Sandoval County Commission has thrown its support – to the tune of $210,000 – behind a park in Rio Rancho that would allow children with disabilities to play alongside other children.

The board on Aug. 16 voted 5 to 0 to redirect 2005 Incentive Revenue Bond funds to the $2.5 million project. The city of Rio Rancho is working with the nonprofit group A Park Above, which was created to raise money for the park, to make it a reality. Rio Rancho Mayor Tom Swisstack said with the money from the county they have raised about $1.7 million for the project.

District 3 Commissioner Don G. Chapman said he had some concerns about using the money for the park, named Common Ground, but was eventually persuaded by the passionate support from families and other community members. However, he said the city must come up with the remaining funds in order to receive the county’s money. The terms of the agreement, Chapman said, will be outlined in a resolution, which the commission must approve.

“Obviously I’m not going to say I would not want a park …, ” he said. “I love the park idea. It’s great but it’s tough economic times. Some would argue the park is a want and not a need.”

Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho announced earlier this year that it would lease the city three acres at a “nominal annual fee” for the park, which would be the first of its kind in the region. The equipment would accommodate wheelchairs. Other features in the park would appeal to children with vision and hearing problems, such as walls with different shapes and textures and motion-activated signs that tell nursery rhymes. A large, round swing with netting would allow children who have limited mobility to sit down and swing.

Rio Rancho resident Jennie Schulte Baca was the catalyst for the park. She started the effort to get it built after seeing a similar park in her former hometown of Lakeland, Fla. She approached the city for help last year and started A Park Above to raise money for the project.

Swisstack said he hopes construction on the park can begin by next summer. He will approach local businesses and the legislature for the remaining funds.

“There will be a great emotional impact for our families,” he said. “They will be able to take their children to a safe place to play.”