NEWS RELEASE 10/20/2026: State Approval Clears the Way for Major Plaza Park Improvements
LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The City of Las Vegas is moving forward with major renovations to historic Plaza Park following approval from the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The $2.48 million project is supported by funding awarded to the City in December 2025 through the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration’s (DFA) FY2026 Regional Recreation Centers & Quality of Life Grant.
The City of Las Vegas Public Works Department, in partnership with Stantec Engineering, successfully identified and secured grant funding for the project, with additional grant support provided by Robert Archuleta of Arch Consulting, LLC. The renovations will address aging infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and preserve the park’s historic character and cultural significance.
During last week’s City Council meeting, Colleen M. Ruiz, P.E., Senior Principal Engineer and Operations Leader for Stantec’s Community Development group, presented updated architectural plans as the project approaches 90 percent design completion. Planned improvements include a substantially larger gazebo, modernized electrical infrastructure, upgraded lighting and sound systems, ADA-accessible pathways, roadway improvements, and enhanced landscaping.
As Plaza Park is located within a designated historic district, renovations must comply with state historic preservation requirements. The State Historic Preservation Office previously raised concerns regarding the original design, aesthetics, and potential impacts on the park’s historic appearance, requiring the City to temporarily pause portions of the project and submit revised plans.
Mayor David Romero acknowledged the community’s frustration with the delays and explained the challenges encountered during the approval process. “I know there have been frustrations in the community about what is happening at Plaza Park. There have been questions about whether the City received the funding, but the reality is that we had to overcome a hurdle,” said Mayor Romero. “The project initially began with the electrical improvements, but when the State Historic Preservation Office became involved, concerns were raised about the plans and aesthetics. We had to stop, address those concerns, and submit the required plans. About a month ago, we received approval to move forward.”
One of the most significant improvements will be the expansion of the historic gazebo, which will more than triple in size, increasing from 814 square feet to approximately 2,553 square feet. The additional space will better accommodate musicians, performers, weddings, ceremonies, and community gatherings while incorporating historically appropriate railings and architectural features.
For the first time, the gazebo will include an ADA-accessible ramp, allowing greater access for individuals with mobility challenges and making it easier for entertainers and event organizers to move equipment. Additional features include improved lighting, a new sound system, and pigeon-proofing measures to protect the structure and reduce maintenance concerns.
Major electrical improvements are also planned to accommodate the growing demands of community events, food trucks, vendors, and entertainment equipment. Public Works Director Arnold Lopez explained that his team currently spends approximately one month preparing the park’s electrical systems for the annual Fourth of July Fiestas. Mayor Romero added that electrical demand during the most recent celebration exceeded the existing system’s capacity.
Upgrades will include replacing outdated circuit boxes and connections, installing electrical access at each light pole, and providing improved connections for vendors and food trucks. These improvements will increase capacity, enhance safety and reliability, and reduce preparation time for major events.
The park will also receive historically styled lighting fixtures with modern technology and a professionally designed sound system. A sound engineer conducted a study of the park’s layout and acoustics to determine effective speaker placement and provide clearer, more balanced sound during concerts and community celebrations.
Pedestrian accessibility and roadway improvements are another major component of the project. Existing sidewalks, concrete, and brick surfaces will be replaced with updated materials to improve safety, accessibility, and appearance while meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Lopez also addressed concerns regarding the existing raised pedestrian crossings, which meet ADA requirements but have created potential tripping and falling hazards. The crossings will be redesigned and leveled to provide smoother access for pedestrians, including individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and other mobility devices.
Preserving Plaza Park’s existing artwork and natural surroundings remains an important part of the renovation plans. Mayor Romero confirmed that the Virgin Mary statue will remain in the park, along with other existing artwork. However, safety concerns involving the Campesino carving will need to be addressed.
Lopez explained that the Campesino carving, created from a tree stump, has experienced significant internal decay, compromising its stability. “The artwork was carved out of a tree stump and has decayed from the inside. Last year, the Campesino was literally moving and about to fall before I had a metal brace installed to keep the structure from collapsing,” Lopez explained.
Three existing trees are proposed for removal, one due to significant safety concerns and two to accommodate the expanded gazebo. These decisions are being coordinated with the City’s Tree Board to minimize impacts on the park’s natural surroundings.
Lopez noted that some of the park’s Siberian elm trees are approaching 100 years old and may have internal deterioration that is not visible from the outside. “These trees can look healthy on the outside, but decay can be happening from the inside out. Then we get severe winds, and they fall over,” Lopez explained. He also emphasized the importance of evaluating aging trees through methods such as density testing to identify structural weaknesses and prevent potential hazards to park visitors.
Mayor Romero reaffirmed the importance of preserving the park’s shade. Four new trees will be planted as part of the project, including a full-size living Christmas tree that will become a permanent feature of Plaza Park. This addition will eliminate the need to install a cut Christmas tree each holiday season while providing a year-round feature for the community.
With architectural plans nearing 90 percent completion, the City anticipates beginning the competitive bidding process by December 2026, with an ambitious goal of completing construction in time for the Fourth of July Fiestas in 2027. “This is a fast-moving project, and a lot of work will need to be accomplished to meet our goal of July 2027,” stated Public Works Director Arnold Lopez.
The selected contractor will be required to follow project specifications and historic preservation guidelines, including requirements related to architectural design, materials, accessibility, and construction standards. Close coordination with the City, project engineers, and reviewing agencies will be essential throughout construction.
The Plaza Park renovation project represents a significant investment in one of Las Vegas’ most treasured public spaces, balancing necessary modernization with historic preservation. The City will continue providing updates as the project advances through final design, bidding, and construction.
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