TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME!
Big changes are happening in Carlsbad, and something exciting is on the way! This fresh update reflects the growth and progress of our city, but it’s just the beginning. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find important updates, including a message from the mayor. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are new to the area, these updates will keep you informed about the exciting developments ahead.
One of the biggest events this month is the opening of the new driving range at Lake Carlsbad Golf Course, giving golfers a great place to practice their swing. We’re also diving into recent improvements at the Riverwalk Recreation Center. There’s plenty more happening around town, so keep reading to stay up to date on all the latest news and events in Carlsbad!
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Past Event Photos
Did you get snapped at our latest events? Check check our social media to see if you were snapped!
DearNeighbors&Friends:
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
I’m excited to share some updates on the great projects happening in our city. First, progress continues at Lower Tansill, an area that has been the focus of important improvements. This project is a vital step in enhancing our community spaces, and I want to thank everyone for their patience as we work to make it a better place for all. Investments like these ensure that Carlsbad remains a beautifulandwelcomingplaceforfamilies,visitors,andfuturegenerations.
Another exciting development is the grand opening of the golf course driving range, set for March 8th. This new addition will give both beginners and experienced golfers a dedicated space to sharpen their skills and enjoy the game. Golf is a growing part of our community’s recreational life, and we are proud to provide more opportunities for outdoor activities that bring people together. I encourage everyone to join us for the grand opening celebration— it’s a great chance to check out the facility and see firsthand what this new featurehastooffer.
But that’s not all—something new and exciting is on the way! We’re always looking for ways to celebrate what makes Carlsbad special, and we have a fresh update that reflects our city’s growth and vision for the future. Stay tuned for more details in this month’s newsletter, where we’ll unveil this exciting changeandwhatitmeansforourcommunity.
Carlsbad is a city rich in history, natural beauty, and community pride. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to preserving what makes this place special while embracing the improvements that help us move forward. I am grateful for the support of our residents and the dedication of those working hardtomaketheseprojectsareality.
Thank you for being part of our journey, and I look forward to sharing more updateswithyousoon.
Sincerely,
Email: mayor.office@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Phone: (575) 887-1191
CarlsbadMayorRickLopez
Petsof the Month
Meet the adorable pets of our City of Carlsbad employees!
Name: Maverick (4 years old)
Pawrent: Tony Souza
He will place his paw on you in order to let you know he needs attention or food... we call this the "Pyr Paw".
Name: Ben
Pawrent: Diana Dorado
Named after Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. His number was #7, and since Ben was our 7th dog.
Name: Pharaoh (Warehouse Greeter/Pest Control Technician)
Pawrent: Warehouse Employees
He has been with us for over six years! His favorite activity is getting hugs n belly rubs!
Name: Ravyn
Pawrent: Pat Brownfield
Trys to be the boss, loves to dig and bring in sticks and rocks to chew on.
Name: Archie
Pawrent: Manuel Lara
He is a RagDoll Cat. He likes to go offleash and scout the backyard!
Name: Kaine
Pawrent: Marisela Moreno
He comes to the door every morning at the exact time for breakfast, and he sits like a good boy to let me know he's ready.
Name: Diamond
Pawrent: Laura Hughes
A basset hound mix who likes to drag her blanket in the yard.
Name: Chicle (Gum)
Pawrent: JoAnne Jaure
Loves to sit on anyone's lap and will stay for as long as you allow him. He follows me everywhere I go, therefore I named him Chicle.
MARCH EMPLOYEE POLLS
We had our City of Carlsbad Employees take a brief poll about the upcoming month of March. See how your responses compare to theirs!
How do you feel about Daylight Saving Time?
Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
Which type of weather do you prefer in March?
How do you feel about spring cleaning?
What’s your ideal way to enjoy warmer weather?
Riverwalk Recreation Center
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
The Riverwalk Recreation Center is more than just a place to play, it’s a hub for the community, offering a welcoming space where residents of all ages can stay active, build friendships, and find support. As the manager, my goal is to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels safe, included, and engaged.
Since reopening after our remodel in December, we’ve seen an increase in attendance. While the growth hasn’t been immense, we can definitely feel the differenceandappreciatethecommunity’senthusiasmforthecenter’sreturn.
Recently, we’ve made some important facility upgrades, including new flooring, refreshed walls, and improvements to our heating and cooling system. Looking ahead,wehaveexcitingplanstoenhanceouroutdoorspaces.Futureadditions will include shaded structures, an artificial entrance, and boulders placed around the facility to provide seating for parents watching their kids play outside. We’re also planning to expand the back area with more activities to give visitors even more ways to enjoy their time here. Additionally, we plan to addfinishingtouchestothebasketballcourtsonthefirstfloor.
Program-wise, we are working on adding new activities to better serve the community. Some of the programs we are wanting to add include chair yoga, more frequent dodgeball sessions, an expanded arts and crafts schedule, and a Zumbini music class for young children. We are also looking into introducingahygieneeducationcourse
and a step-by-step recipe card program to encourage healthy habits. Additionally, our recreation attendants, who have experience and knowledge in fitness, will be available to guide younger weightlifters to ensure safe training practicesintheweightroom.
In response to visitor trends and staff needs, we recently adjusted our operating schedule and are now closed on Sundays. While this change is still new, we are always assessing ways to best serve the community while maintaininghigh-qualityprograms.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Riverwalk Recreation Center is the role it plays in bringing people together. Our annual Christmas party was a testament to this, bringing in record-breaking numbers and proving just how much this center means to the community. Whether you’re here for a fitness class, a community event, or just a place to unwind, we want everyone to feel at home. We appreciate how anticipated the center's reopening was and are gratefulforthecontinuedsupportfromourresidents.
For more information on our programs, upcoming events, or future plans, stop bythecenterorgiveusacall.Welookforwardtoseeingyou!
Sincerely,
ReneeMadrid RiverwalkRecreation CenterManager
MARCH EVENTS & DATES
For more information regarding any of these events or others please visit the official City Events Calander.
All Month Long:
Western Wonders presented by the Carlsbad Museum
Call for Muralists by Keep Carlsbad Beautiful, Pearl of the Pecos, and New Mexico True
Sat. March 1st:
Dr. Seuss Party at Carlsbad Public Library
Riverblitz 2025!
Strong Man Community Event
SENMC Radiological Control Technician
Training Q&A
Denim and Diamonds at the Assistance League
Mon. March 3rd:
4-day STEM Boot Camp
SENMC Math Camp
SENMC Yoga Class
Women Marked for History at Carlsbad Museum
Tue. March 4th:
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
Carlsbad Public Library Stitcher’s Anonymous
SENMC Zumba Class
SENMC Build Your First Bot Coding and Robotics Competition
Tue. March 4th Continued:
Dr. Seuss Day 1 at Riverwalk Rec. Center
SENMC Math Camp
SENMC Introduction to Podcasting
Milton’s Brewing Trivia Night
Wed. March 5th:
Dr. Seuss Day 2 at Riverwalk Rec. Center
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool Storytime
Carlsbad Public Library Lego Time
SENMC Build Your First Bot Coding and Robotics Competition
SENMC Math Camp
SENMC Basic Computer Skills w/ Microsoft Office
SENMC Line Dancing
Jordan World Circus
Thurs. March 6th:
Dr. Seuss Day 3 at Riverwalk Rec. Center
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
Carlsbad/Hobbs Oil & Gas, Transportation & Skilled Trades Career Fair
SENMC Breaking the Chains of Machismo
SENMC Math Camp
SENMC Flower Arrangements Class
Fri. March 7th:
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
Jam Session at the North Mesa Senior
Recreation Center
Sat. March 8th:
Carlsbad Public Library Dungeons and Dragons
Carlsbad Public Library LCPB Power Bag
Packing Party
Carlsbad Museum Spring Wreath Making Class
Garage Sale at North Mesa Senior Center
Driving Range Grand Opening at the Lake Carksbad Golf Course
Sun. March 9th:
Spring Market Pop-Up at Milton’s Brewing
Mon. March 10th:
SENMC Math Camp
Tue. March 11th:
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
Coalition Teens in Action at the Carlsbad Public Library
SEMNC Zumba Class
SENMC Build Your First Bot Coding and Robotics Competition
SENMC Math Camp
SENMC Introduction to Podcasting
Wed. March 12th:
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool Storytime
Wed. March 12th Continued:
Carlsbad Public Library Lego Time
SENMC Build Your First Bot Coding and Robotics Competition
SENMC Sound Healing
SENMC Math Camp
SENMC Basic Computer Skills w/ Microsoft Office
SENMC Line Dancing
Thurs. March 13th:
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
STEM Club with SWCD at Carlsbad Public Library
SENMC Math Camp
SENMC Flower Arrangements Class
Fri. March 14th:
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
Inkers Tattoo EXPO at Carlsbad Civic Center
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company
SENMC Math Camp
Sat. March 15th:
Family Formal Spring Fling Fundraiser for Carlsbad Homeschool Co-op at the Valley Venue
Inkers Tattoo Expo at Carlsbad Civic Center
Mon. March 17th:
SENMC Paint Party
SENMC Yoga Class
DJ Tall Moon at Milton’s Brewing
Come Shake Your Shamrocks for Cam at Cal’s
Shade
Tue. March 18th:
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
Carlsbad Public Library Stitcher’s Anonymous
SENMC Zumba Class
SENMC Build Your First Bot Coding and Robotics Competition
SENMC Introduction to Podcasting
Trivia Night at Milton’s Brewing
Wed. March 19th:
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool Storytime
Carlsbad Public Library Lego Time
Brews and Books at Milton’s Brewing
SENMC Build Your First Bot Coding and Robotics Competition
SENMC Building Your Financial Future Series
SENMC Basic Computer Skills w/ Microsoft
Office
SENMC Line Dancing
Thurs. March 20th:
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
Thurs. March 20th Continued:
SENMC Mind CTRL Mental Health Seminars
SENMC STEAM Expo
SENMC STEM Creativity Competition
SENMC Introduction to Italian
SENMC Introduction to Basic Ceramics
SENMC Flower Arrangements Class
Fri. March 21st:
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe Mountain
Brewing Company
Sat. March 22nd:
Carlsbad Public Library Dungeons and Dragons
Carlsbad Caverns Campout
The Traveling Comic Book Store at the Stevens Inn
Sun. March 23rd:
Carlsbad Caverns Campout
Mon. March 24th:
SENMC Cooking Around the World Class
SENMC Creative Writing for Kids Class
Spring Break Art Camp
Crafty Kids Workshop
SENMC Yoga Class
Tue. March 25th:
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
SENMC Creative Writing for Kids Class
SENMC Spring Break Art Class
SENMC Crafty Kids Workshop
SENMC Zumba Class
SENMC Build Your First Bot Coding and Robotics Competition
Wed. March 26th:
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool Storytime
Carlsbad Public Library Lego Time
SENMC Creative Writing for Kids Class
SENMC Spring Break Art Class
SENMC Crafty Kids Workshop
SENMC Build Your First Bot Coding and
Robotics Competition
SENMC Basic Computer Skills w/ Microsoft
Office
SENMC Line Dancing
Thurs. March 27th:
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
Carlsbad Public Library STEM Club
SENMC Creative Writing for Kids
SENMC Spring Break Art Class
SENMC Crafty Kids Workshop
SENMC Yoga Meditation Class
SENMC Introduction to Italian
SENMC Introduction to Basic Ceramics
SENMC Flower Arrangements Class
Fri. March 28th:
Carlsbad Public Library Toddler Time
SENMC Creative Writing for Kids Class
SENMC Spring Break Art Class
SENMC Crafty Kids Workshop
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe Mountain
Brewing Company
Mon. March 31st:
SENMC Yoga Class
For more information regarding any of these events or others please visit the official City Events Calander.
Finance Department’s Outstanding Work on the City Audit
This month, we recognize the hard work and dedication of the Finance Department for their exceptional efforts in preparing the City's annual audit. Thanks to their diligence and expertise, the City received a clean audit with no findings—a crucial achievement that ensures we remain eligible for grants and loans.
A special acknowledgment goes to Finance Director Melissa Salcido for her leadership and commitment throughout the audit process. The City's financial health is one of the most important responsibilities we uphold, alongside public and employee safety. The Finance Department’s
Important Notice for Carlsbad Cemetery Visitors
The City of Carlsbad is ensuring compliance with Cemetery Rules and Regulations to maintain a respectful and orderly resting place for our loved ones.
Please take note of the following:
The public has until April 7, 2025, to remove all items, decorations, or headstones that do not comply with the Cemetery Rules and Regulations.
Any items removed by the City will be stored for 30 days before being disposed of.
This applies ONLY to the Carlsbad Cemetery and does NOT include Santa Catarina Cemetery.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Diana Dorado at the Cemetery Office: 575-236-1075.
Lake Carlsbad Golf Course
We appreciate the community’s patience as we work to improve the Lake Carlsbad Golf Course for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s the latest timeline:
The Driving Range will open Saturday, March 8, 2025.
The first playable 9 holes of the golf course are expected to be ready by mid-April 2025.
In the meantime, the Par 3 course and the miniature golf course remain open and ready for play. We encourage golfers of all ages and skill levels to enjoy these options while renovations are underway.
Thank you for your continued support as we enhance one of Carlsbad’s favorite recreational amenities. Stay tuned for further updates! For any questions, please call Lake Carlsbad Golf Course at (575) 885-5444.
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
Good Friday: Friday, April 18, 2025
Memorial Day: Monday, May 26, 2025
Independence Day: Friday, July 4, 2025
Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025
Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Day after Thanksgiving: Friday, November 28, 2025
Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
CITY COUNCIL
Rick Lopez, Mayor mayor.office@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 1
Edward Rodriguez | etrodriguez@cityofcarlsbadnm.com Lisa Anaya-Flores | laflores@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 2
JJ Chavez | jochavez@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Jeff Forrest | jjforrest@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 3
Karla Hamel Niemeier | kjniemeier@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Mary Garwood | msgarwood@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 4
Anthony Foreman | arforeman@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Mark Walterscheid | mewalterscheid@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
CITY ADMINISTRATION
Wendy Austin, City Administrator wdaustin@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ken Ahrens, Deputy City Administrator ksahrens@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
KC Cass, Chief Operating Officer kccass@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
www.cityofcarlsbadnm.com
