A partnership between New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) and the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD)
Prepared by NMMS Revitalization Specialist Amy Bell of Groundwork Studio
Outdoor recreation opportunities can be connected to MainStreet downtowns to make a great impact on local, asset-based economic development. MainStreet communities are embracing these opportunities to further support healthy community development. In 2020, New Mexico’s outdoor recreation resources had a record number of visitors, creating strains on the environmental, cultural, and social infrastructure. Additionally, rural communities are experiencing an “Amenity Migration” phenomenon, where an influx of new residents are seeking outdoor recreation amenities amid remote work options.
The Pilot Study is the first phase of this project and partnership. The second phase will create a tool (database) to monitor high-impact, sustainable outdoor recreation projects in New Mexico’s MainStreet communities. This database will help State & local governments, and community organizations make informed decisions about priority projects that will improve MainStreet infrastructure, support the community, and make the most out of this economic opportunity.
Download the full report to read findings on Colfax, Lincoln, McKinley, San Juan, and Sierra Counties.
The Pilot Study revealed outdoor recreation assets, amenities, projects, programs, approaches to economic community development, and unique challenges that communities face in five counties. By making connections, providing access, improving safety, and coordinating & partnering with public & private entities, outdoor recreation projects can support the local community and build off of MainStreet’s sense of place.
On Nov. 12, 2021, the American Society of Landscape Architects’ NM chapter (NMASLA) awarded NMMS and ORD a Merit Award in the Research category for the Outdoor Recreation Atlas Pilot Study!
Pictured from left: Toby Levin (Groundwork Studio) & Mike Pace accept NMASLA awards on Nov. 12, 2021.
About The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD):
ORD works to ensure that all New Mexicans gain from the public health, environmental, and economic benefits of sustainable outdoor recreation. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed New Mexico’s Outdoor Recreation Division into law on April 2, 2019. At the time, ORD joined a dozen other states committed to growing and championing the outdoor recreation economy, which is an immensely powerful engine to grow wealth and job opportunities in our state. Written into the law was the first-ever Outdoor Equity Fund, a grant intended to help disadvantaged youth get outside.
Learn more at nmoutside.com.
About New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS):
NMMS develops local capacity to engage people, rebuild places and grow the entrepreneurial, creative & business environment resulting in economically thriving downtowns, greater business & employment opportunities, and a higher quality of life. NMMS was founded in 1984 and currently serves 31 affiliated MainStreet Districts, 12 state-authorized Arts & Cultural Districts, 6 Frontier & Native American Community projects, 4 Urban Neighborhood Commercial Corridor projects, and 9 Historic Theaters.
Learn more about NMMS’s programs at nmmainstreet.org. NMMS is a program of the New Mexico Economic Development Department.
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