By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper. — Rio Rancho residents get a first look Nov. 9 at a proposed $76 million recreation center planned for the old Stapleton Elementary site. The city wants their two cents before it spends the millions.
The city will host a community open house at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at Loma Colorado Library. Residents can browse conceptual designs and informational displays and leave feedback. No formal presentation is scheduled, according to a city announcement.
The Multi-Generational Recreation Center would sit on 13 city-owned acres at 4477 9th Ave. NE, near Northern and Rockaway boulevards. The site once held Stapleton Elementary and later Shining Star Preschool.
The city plans to build the center in two phases. Phase 1 ($42.6 million) delivers a 49,140-square-foot building anchored by a multisport gymnasium, plus outdoor basketball courts, walking trails and parking.
Phase 2 ($33.8 million) adds 33,534 square feet of gymnastics and climbing space, a fitness room, multi-purpose rooms, a stage and a café. Outside, it adds tennis and pickleball courts, playgrounds and an agility course.
The city has not found the money yet. Officials have not identified a funding source, and the estimates grow about 4% for each year past 2026. Phase 1 design should wrap up in early 2028. Construction waits on the cash.
BY THE NUMBERS
- $76,363,850: Combined preliminary cost estimate for both phases
- 82,674: Total square feet across both buildings
- 13: Acres at the site
- 4%: Expected yearly cost increase after 2026
- 0: Dollars currently identified for construction
GET INVOLVED
Community Open House: Multi-Generational Recreation Center
- When: 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9
- Where: Loma Colorado Library, 755 Loma Colorado Blvd. NE
- Format: Drop-in displays, no formal presentation
- Project details, history and cost estimates: rrnm.gov/5094/Multi-Generational-Recreation-Center
- Contact your city councilor: rrnm.gov/29/Governing-Body