The city of Aztec received a state grant of $39,999, which has been earmarked to develop a 20-year master plan for trails, recreation facilities and open space.
City Manager Jeff Blackburn said their internal document, which has been around for years, will be focused and narrowed down as a result of this new project.
“We have been conducting outdoor recreation stakeholder meetings for the past few months and will use some of that information to provide direction,” Blackburn stated in an email.
He said the public will be invited back for additional meetings on the park’s plan.
“This will help us formalize that plan and seek more grants,” Blackburn stated in a recent article.
Blackburn said that they plan on using $50,000 already appropriated by the City Commission to finalize the “plan and begin implementing some of its recommendations.”
Blackburn said the plan will place an emphasis on enhanced trails system. Along with nine city parks, Aztec has access to 520 acres of Bureau of Land Management land that can be used for recreational purposes. This could include the motor sports field, he said.
“The city of Aztec is committed to outdoor recreation for the local users, for our local manufacturing business, for tourism, and is working to develop funds to attract outdoor recreation industry,” Blackburn stated.
