Here’s a quick listing of some community events that may be of interest to Fair West neighbors.

Tonight (9/22) at 6pm, the first community input session for the fairgrounds project (their website is up now):
https://www.fairgroundsdistrict.nm.gov/news-and-events/

Tues 9am at 120 Madeira Dr NE. trash pickup/beautification/outreach/social time continues
Bring gloves if you have them
I (Nick H) will have trash bags, buckets, sharps containers, a shovel or two
Come join in person or join the neighborhood email listserv (http://lists.127tech.net/listinfo.cgi/fwna_everyone-127tech.net) if you’d like to help but can’t make that time and we’ll figure something out.
Thanks to neighbors Emily an Sharon for the financial contributions that are helping to fund our recruitment of extra help from people I meet on the streets.

Yesterday, Sun morning, Nikki, Bear, Tehoma, Lewis, Kim and myself kept the momentum going.
Nikki mentioned interest in having access to a flat bed trailer. If anyone has one or knows a neighbor who would be willing to let us use it, then please respond on the listserv. Thanks!

Thurs 10am – TIDD (https://www.fairgroundsdistrict.nm.gov/faqs/) board meeting on the fairgrounds near the African American Performing Arts Center (there will be signs) for the fairground tax district. More formal than Mon meeting. FWNA people will be there taking notes :)

Fri 6pm – Monthly neighborhood assoc meeting at enchantment dancing. Agenda still being developed, but certainly we’ll talk upcoming neighborhood events, fairgrounds development, neighborhood safety efforts and whatever else we can fit into the ~2hrs

Sat 9-11am – Garden produce swap and coffee/tea hangout in Fox park. Sounds fun!

That’s all?!

fairgroundsdistrict.nm.gov

Upcoming sept events:

Sept 16th 9am-10am at Domingo/Madeira Dr NE: trash pickup and chat

Sept 20th, Sept 21st: 9-12 African American Performing Arts Center (AAPAC) Free plants and native pollinator education event

Sept 22nd: 6-8:30pm African American Performing Arts Center (AAPAC) Public meeting/Panel Discussions for the future of the fairgrounds

Sept 25th: 10am AAPAC Fairgrounds tax district board meeting with elected officials

Sept 26th: 6-8pm FWNA monthly meeting at Enchantment Dancing

Oct 31st: Fall Festival and Scary Supper – come to a meeting or contact the events team to learn more and/or help.

Email Listserv for Fair West residents:

Check it out

What’s the plan with the park?

here’s the latest info we got from the parks dept. Thanks to Christian of Parks for the details!

Scope of Work

1. Playground Upgrades & Shade Structures

The current swing set will be replaced with a new swing unit featuring a blue shade cover.
Two new shade structures will be installed over the play area for ages 5–12.
One new shade structure will be added over the play area for ages 2–5.
A visual rendering of the new playground is included on the final page of this update.

2. Site Modifications

The concrete barrier between the 2–5 and 5–12 age play areas will be removed to improve flow and visibility.
The current sand surfacing will be replaced with engineered wood chips, enhancing safety and accessibility.

3. Accessibility Improvements

An ADA-compliant ramp will be added to provide accessible entry to both play areas.

4. Tennis Court Enhancements

The court will be resurfaced with a new color scheme: red exterior, blue interior, and white play lines to match the updated playground color palette.
Existing benches will be retained and receive minor upgrades as needed.

5. Basketball Court Refresh

Courts will be power washed and restriped with white lines to improve appearance and usability.

6. New Information Kiosk

The existing kiosk will be replaced with a new one in complementary colors to tie in with the playground and court areas.