This project builds on years of community-driven planning and was initially identified through community outreach efforts that were part of the Socorro Parks Master Plan adopted in 2017. The Socorro Parks Master Plan identified Amistad Park, Callisto Park, and Jardin De Flores Park as community spaces that needed revitalization, documenting the critical role that neighborhood parks play in the community while identifying severe, city-wide challenges regarding the quality, age, and safety of existing park amenities. 

In 2023 and 2024, the City of Socorro gathered feedback from Socorro residents as part of a robust and bilingual public engagement process during the development of the Socorro 2040 Comprehensive Master Plan, which was adopted in July 2024. The Socorro 2040 Comprehensive Master Plan documented the community’s strong demand for immediate upgrades to neighborhood parks, particularly improvements for children, families, and active recreation. 

As part of the public outreach component of this project, the development team will continue to gather community feedback from a diverse cross-section of Socorro residents, including via:

1. The City of Socorro website, where information about this project is posted,
2. City of Socorro City Council meetings, where the development team will provide a presentation regarding this project to inform and gather feedback from the public,
3. Community events, such as the 2026 4th of July Extravaganza event at Cougar Park,
4. Town Hall meetings, where community members discussed their highest-priority park improvements, 
5. Online Surveys – Currently accepting responses. CLICK HERE TO PROVIDE YOUR FEEDBACK,

Summary of Community Feedback Collected to Date 

Feedback collected from the public and summarized in the Socorro Parks Master Plan highlighted several key resident demands:

Shade and comfort: An overwhelming majority of residents noted that a severe lack of shade structures and tree canopies prevents them from using the parks safely during hot afternoons

Upgraded Playground Equipment: Families consistently requested the replacement of outdated or broken playground sets with modern, inclusive, and safe structures for children of all ages. 

Enhanced Park Infrastructure: Residents expressed a critical need for basic infrastructure improvements, including well-lit ADA-accessible pathways, paved and organized parking, more park benches, and functional picnic structures. 

Feedback collected from the public and summarized in the Socorro 2040 Comprehensive Plan  highlighted several key resident demands regarding parks, trails, and recreation amenities:

Shade and Comfort:
Residents overwhelmingly emphasized that the lack of shade structures, tree canopy, and lighting makes parks uncomfortable and unsafe, especially during hot afternoons. Community members repeatedly requested natural shade, covered seating, and improved lighting to ensure safe and enjoyable use of outdoor spaces.

Upgraded Playground Equipment:
Families expressed a strong need to replace outdated or broken playground equipment with modern, inclusive, and safe structures. Residents noted that current facilities do not adequately serve children of all ages and abilities, and they want parks that support youth recreation, sports, and active play.

Enhanced Park Infrastructure:
Residents identified critical gaps in basic park infrastructure, including ADA-accessible pathways, better-connected sidewalks, improved trail networks, functional restrooms, and well-maintained picnic areas. 

Expanded Park Space and Recreation Options:
Community members consistently asked for more regional parks, additional small neighborhood parks, indoor recreation facilities, youth centers, pools, and expanded open space. They stressed the importance of preserving remaining open land and creating new recreational opportunities before available land is lost to development.

Improved Trails and Connectivity:
Residents strongly supported developing a connected network of walking and biking trails, including the use of canal corridors for safe, shaded, and accessible routes. Existing trails were rated poorly, reinforcing the need for investment in trail quality, connectivity, and safety.

Additional feedback from the public is now being requested through July 31st, 2026 via the Survey Link below.