City of Tucumcari
Grants Awarded
The Route 66 Skate Park and Pump Track project will transform an existing City of Tucumcari–owned property into a safe, professionally designed recreational park that serves community youth while attracting Route 66 travelers and regional visitors. The park will provide inclusive, all-ages recreational opportunities and function as a destination amenity that enhances tourism, community identity, and quality of life along the historic Route 66 corridor. The Route 66 Skate Park and Pump Track will be publicly owned, maintained by City staff, and designed for long-term durability and minimal maintenance. This project addresses a clear need for modern outdoor recreational infrastructure while supporting broader goals related to youth engagement, public health, economic vitality, and preservation of Route 66 as a living, active corridor rather than a static historic asset. Primary Goals of the Project Provide Safe, Inclusive Recreation Create a professionally designed Skate Park and Pump Track that offers safe, accessible recreational opportunities for users of all ages, abilities, and skill levels. Support Youth Engagement and Healthy Lifestyles Encourage physical activity, skill development, and positive social interaction by providing structured outdoor recreation for youth and families. Enhance Community Infrastructure and Public Space Transform an underutilized property into a functional public park that strengthens community assets and improves overall quality of life. Promote Tourism and Economic Activity Attract regional visitors, traveling athletes, and Route 66 travelers and host pro pump track competition contributing to increased visitation and local economic impact. Ensure Long-Term Sustainability Design and construct durable, low-maintenance facilities that can be efficiently maintained by City staff and provide long-term public benefit.
City of Tucumcari – Quay County MISSION STATEMENT To deliver Excellent Customer Service to our customers through honesty, willingness, compassion, and integrity. VALUES Customer Service –We will provide to all, a friendly, timely, respectful and knowledgeable response. Honesty – We will be sincere and truthful in all actions we take — even when it is not something someone wants to hear. Willingness – We will be prepared to meet challenges with a desire to be helpful and take action. Compassion – We recognize the emotional state of others and will be sensitive to their needs — even if we can’t fulfill those needs. Integrity – We have strong moral principles and strive to do the right thing — even when it is not easy or popular.
HISTORY The City of Tucumcari is in eastern New Mexico, near the Texas state line. It is the seat of Quay County and is located about 60 miles northeast of Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Tucumcari is comprised of 9.5 square miles of land and is surrounded by sizable mesas, rolling hills, and open plains. Agriculture and food processing are supported by 55,000 acres of irrigated farmland and proximity to railroads and highways, most notably the Interstate 40 which is a major East-West transportation route. The site of Tucumcari was occupied for thousands of years before the official establishment of the town; some of the earliest evidence of civilization in North America has been found in this region. Before human life occurred, this region was the shoreline of a prehistoric sea as evidenced by dinosaur remains and other types of fossils. Early Anasazi people settled the region and sustained agriculture because of the soil and water access. Later, several nomadic tribes, including the Apache and Comanche, roamed this area. In 1901, speculation about railroad expansion led to the settlement that would become Tucumcari. The site known as “Ragtown” and later as “Six Shooter Siding” was established two years before Quay County’s establishment. The town was incorporated and renamed Tucumcari in 1908, making it one of the oldest municipalities in New Mexico. As a newly formed junction for the Rock Island and Southern Pacific Railroads, the small town quickly exploded. Tucumcari Union Station, which had been erected in 1908, was rebuilt in 1926 and welcomed travelers until 1968. Activity from the railroad supported hotels, restaurants, and bars. 1926 also featured the creation of one of the earliest cross-country highways, Route 66, which ran through the heart of Tucumcari. The highway suddenly ushered in a new type of traveler to town: the road tripper and the route filled up with neon signs, filling stations, and motels hoping to attract drivers. The federal interstate system began replacing these routes following World War II. Intended as a replacement for Route 66, Interstate 40 (I-40) was built as a replacement for Route 66 by the late 1960s, bypassed the City to the South. Today, Tucumcari remains a transportation hub for interstate freight drivers, and old Route 66 tourists and visitors.