5-31-2024 5:10pm

Alamogordo’s Pickleball Courts, and Parks Ready For Summer Play

Chris Edwards Editor

Alamogordo’s Mayor Pro-tem and District 5, City Commissioner; Sharon McDonald is often seen walking around in her district, and throughout town checking out upgrades to the sidewalks and parks, utilizing the outdoors, understanding it’s importance to health and longevity.

Rather championing for upgrades and checking out the sprinklers at Alameda Park, or tossing a weight ball nearby, with her friend Sherrie and a fitness trainer, to championing for Pickleball Courts, upgrades for Basketball Courts, in and out of her district; she is a champion and an inspiration to folks of all ages, embracing an active and healthy lifestyle.

With that in mind, it was very appropriate that Mrs. McDonald with Commissioner Nick Paul, along with the City Manager Rick Holden and of course Bob Flotte of KHII Radio, were on site this month along with the Alamogordo Center of Commerce to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Oregon Park Pickleball Courts and celebration of the resurfacing of the Oregon Park Basketball Courts.

The Pickleball Park even has lights available for evening play! Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in the United States for three years in a row, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). In 2023, the sport had 8.9 million players in the US, up from 4.8 million in 2022, representing a 51.8% increase in participation. Pickleball's popularity is especially strong with seniors, middled ages individuals and families, as it is easier on the knees than tennis and is easier to navigate using a wiffle ball.

For those from youth to seniors that like to stay active Alamogordo offers several recreational parks with various facilities to utilize…

Ed Brabson Balloon Park

Located on Lavelle Road. Used for Otero County Youth Soccer League games in Spring and Fall.

Griggs Sports Complex

This complex is used primarily for baseball and football. Located on the corner of South Florida Avenue and Fairgrounds Road.

Two football fields
Four youth baseball fields (west fields closest to the football fields)
- Lights available ($12/hour additional fee)
Four adult baseball fields (east fields closest to the mountains)
- Lights available ($12/hour additional fee)
Two covered playgrounds
South Pavilion
- ADA Accessible
- Two picnic tables
- Charcoal grill
North Pavilion
- Two picnic tables
- Charcoal grill

Hooser Sports Complex

This complex is used for youth and adult softball. Located on Walker Road off Highway 70.

Four youth softball fields (north fields closest to Highway 70)
- Lights available ($12/hour additional fee)
Four adult softball fields (south fields)
- Lights available ($12/hour additional fee)
Covered Playground
Pavilion (nearest the outfield of the south fields)
- Two picnic tables
- Charcoal grill
Restrooms

Oregon Basketball Courts

Located on the corner of 14th Street and Oregon Avenue.

Two full-size basketball courts with lights
Bench seating
Basketball Pavilion
- Two picnic tables
- Charcoal grill
- Electricity Available ($25 fee)
Restrooms

Oregon Soccer Fields

Located on Oregon Avenue near the Alamogordo Recreation Center.

Six small soccer fields
Soccer Pavilion
- Two picnic tables
- Charcoal grill

Oregon Tennis Courts

This complex is located on Oregon Avenue near 18th Street.

Eight tennis courts with lights
Bleacher seating
Pavilion
- Four picnic tables
- Electricity Available ($25 fee)
Restrooms

Washington Basketball/Pickleball Courts

Two full-size basketball courts with lights
Four pickleball courts (inlaid in basketball courts)
Bench seating available.
Northeast Basketball Pavilion
- 22 picnic tables
- Electricity available ($25 fee)
Restrooms

Washington Futsal Court

The court is located in the center of Washington Park.

Fenced-in court with lights
Bleacher seating

Washington Roller Rink

Located adjacent to the basketball courts with lights and bleacher seating.

Washington Soccer Fields

Soccer fields of varying sizes are located throughout the park, with bleacher seating available.

So join the active commissioners such as Sharon McDonald, Nick Paul and the diverse community of individuals of all ages and enjoy the amenities of Alamogordo’s city parks.