In collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS), the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation (GTEDC), and the New Mexico Society of Landscape Architecture (NMASLA), Bonnie Strange of Groundwork Studio has been helping to re-imagine a long-neglected park in Tucumcari, New Mexico. The planning process seeks to revitalize Five Mile Park to become a “regional recreation destination and a place to seek adventure, art, and challenges…”

The Civilian Conservation Corps built Five Mile Park in the 1940’s and the it is now on the National Register of Historic Places. It was once a Route 66 travelers’ destination for New Mexico’s largest public swimming pool. Unfortunately, the pool has since fallen into ruin, and it is no longer feasible to repair or re-open. Today, the Park accommodates an 18-hole frisbee golf course and several shooting areas.

The public swimming pool that nature has reclaimed since it was closed.

Over 40 Tucumcari community members participated in a park design workshop organized at Mesalands Community College in August of 2018 to refine ideas for the park moving into the future. Activity areas, including a family gathering area, a discovery zone for kids, a shooting and archery range, and adventure trails and overall park access, were established during this workshop. In addition, a series of design panels were created by members of NMASLA and are being used for community outreach. The response from citizens has been well received and the contributions of NMASLA have helped convince Tucumcari residents that city leaders are committed to bringing Five Mile Park back to its glory days.

With multiple members of the NMASLA Executive Committee, Groundwork Studio is proud to be part of meaningful community outreach efforts like this.

Overall concept plan that was developed through the public workshop.