City seeks to clean areas of park – assisted by flood district and HELP NM
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Due to a pump going down, the water channel (Rio San Jose) along the City of Grants Riverwalk is dry. Delivery of a replacement pump could take up to eight weeks, according to Mayor Erik Garcia. Courtesy Photo
GRANTS, NM –
After learning that the Fifth Street pump would be down for four to eight weeks, the City of Grants has decided to focus on a detailed cleaning of the Riverwalk area, specifically on the north end. “The arroyo from Fifth Street downstream is dry due to the pump being down,” said Mayor Erik Garcia. “In addition, some of the grass spots have dried up due to valves being down, leaks and change in administration.” Garcia added, “The challenges are there. With the pump being down for a while, we’ve decided to perform a detailed cleaning of the area. We are basically having to give up a couple months of different areas of the park being utilized to enjoy for years to come. We are asking for a little patience from the public during the cleanup.”
According to the City’s administration, the improvement plan includes grass seeding, arroyo and pond cleanup, and removal of unnecessary weeds, bushes, and trees. “While doing this, we will take measures in protecting the wildlife, including ducks, turtles, fish, and birds,” said City of Grants Manager Donald Jaramillo.
According to Jaramillo, pump replacement alone, including new piping, is estimated to cost nearly $40,000. “For now, this summer, it will take a little sacrifice in money and time,” explained Mayor Garcia. “However, we will all benefit from it next year, the following year, and years to come. Like some residents, I’m concerned, the parks are an important part of this community. We all love our parks and outdoor recreation. Having a plan is key, that we do have,” he added.
The city recently received a $83,000 grant from the Rio San Jose Flood District. Some of those funds will be utilized during the cleanup. The Riverwalk Park cleanup project is expected to last through mid-August. Overall, the project is estimated to cost the city upwards of $50,000.
The city manager noted the city is also utilizing assistance from HELP NM, a division of the State’s Public Education Department. HELP NM is providing 15-plus employees (high school students), five specifically focused on parks for the next six weeks. The program’s goal is to provide students with an opportunity to participate in highquality internships (20-hours per week for six weeks) in government agencies. “We are proud to participate in the program,” said the mayor. “These are our next administrators, clerks, and laborers. It’s the classic win-win situation – the students benefit with experience while the city gets help. We are grateful,” Garcia emphasized. If interested in a HELP NM position, for high school students only, call Maryah Griego at 505- 289-2471 or 505-235- 5276 or Brendan Heredia at 505-465-4165.
For additional information on the Riverwalk cleanup on the north side, call Special Project Coordinator Shannon Devine or Manager Donald Jaramillo.