GreenBelt Corridor: Alamogordo, NM

For some off pavement action mid city when visiting Alamogordo, the most readily available gravel and grass is likely to be found in the series of connecting Green Belt Parks running through and around the city. Beginning on the south end, just off of First Street, is Washington Park. It has covered recreation areas, outdoor picnic tables, one fenced in and covered picnic structure (lock the kids in?), a skateboard park, soccer fields, and lots of general play areas.


Following the beltway north, you eventually reach the City Hall, and just past that, the Public Library (wifi and computer access).There is not a continual, unbroken pathway. The grass is good for running, walking or mountain bikes, but road bikes would better be directed to the adjacent streets.

Crossing 10th Street north of the Library, you enter Oregon Park. It begins with some attempts at gardens, then houses the local chapter of the Girl Scouts building, then the City Recreation Center, complete with indoor swimming pool (inflatable cover during the Winter season!) Oregon Park has tennis courts, dedicated basketball courts, soccer fields, and lots of green belty play areas.

Way down on the north end of this series of parkway you'll find the Kid's Connection play area. This is a fairly impressive complex of outdoor play stuff that should hold the attention of most youngin's for hours.

At this point you have reached Indian Wells Road. Crossing that street connects you with the eastern end of Indian Wells GreenBelt Park, and it stretches to the west all the way to the main throughway, White Sands Blvd. Along the way you'll pass the very impressive Alamogordo Senior Center. If you are of age (60) stop in and enjoy the weight room, computer room, pool room, reading room (grab a free book from the self help library!) and even score a meal for $2.50. I pick up a good wi-fi signal on the east side of the building.

You can cross the street to the west and connect with Alameda Park, which stretches south from Indian Wells down to 10th Street. Here you'll find the City Zoo, the Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Railway Museum (complete with ridable miniature train!) and the broad open picnic areas where most of the assorted events and street fairs are staged. The Chamber of Commerce has free wifi!

While it is not exactly a connected loop, it is an interesting off road route that is great for a nice outing... early morning run, or a picnic with the dog? When combined with the series of gravel paths adjacent to the flood control ditches, there are limitless possible loops.

Enjoy!

2011-01-06 imike