Doña Ana County

Doña Ana County (the County) is the second-largest county in the state of New Mexico. With a population of more than 219,500 residents, the County comprises 3,814 square miles, bordering Luna, Sierra, and Otero Counties in New Mexico, El Paso County in Texas, and the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. It is home to the Cities of Anthony, Las Cruces and Sunland Park, the Town of Mesilla, and the Village of Hatch. The Mesilla Valley, the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument, and the White Sands National Monument are some of our historic points of interest. Founded in January 1852, Doña Ana County’s history is intertwined with the U.S. Army’s, which built forts throughout the nation’s border with Mexico, enabling many settlements, ranches, mining camps, and homesteads to flourish and help shape our historical landscape. The mission of Doña Ana County government is to enhance the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents as determined by law and community interests. Services are provided through innovative leadership and teamwork in a fair, respectful, and professional manner. To support the County’s efforts in meeting its mission, the Doña Ana County Facilities and Parks Department (Facilities and Parks), oversees and is responsible for public facilities, parks, and recreational programming. These include public parks and open spaces, recreation facilities like athletic fields, public indoor and outdoor pools, sports facilities, trails, and nature preserves. Facilities and Parks also runs community programs in collaboration with the County’s Health and Human Services Department to promote outdoor activities for County residents. Additionally, the department manages county property by tracking the county’s real estate portfolio; developing short and long-term property interests; plans, designs, and develops major construction projects, renovations, and remodeling. A recent accomplishment is the County’s completion of the Shalem Colony Trail Park Master Plan (Master Plan) in August 2023. The Master Plan will allow the County to adhere to guiding principles outlined in the Master Plan, including collaborative planning and implementation efforts, proactive land management, and increasing public safety and enjoyment in the area. Additionally, the County is also planning to install a fitness station along one of the County’s walking trails, with additional discussions to install fitness stations along paths at La Mesa Community Center and Vado/Del Cerro Community Center.