Photo Credit: Farmington Convention and Visitors
As parks and recreation professionals, we want administrators, elected officials, and stakeholders to agree that the department is an essential service. Farmington, N.M., realizes the value of the profession as it relates to the economic impact and health/wellness benefits by creating the state’s first local government office dedicated to developing a strong outdoor-recreation sector.
Farmington (population 45,450), located in the high desert south of the San Juan Mountain range and at the confluence of three rivers, is the retail and commerce hub for over 300,000 people. Being the largest city within a 2.5-hour radius creates a unique position in the Four Corners area.
The city has evolved economically from trading center to agriculture to extractives. The community and region are blessed with an abundance of oil, gas, and coal deposits that have driven a robust economy for nearly 80 years. Like many communities heavily reliant on fossil fuel extraction, Farmington is now confronted by a new normal. San Juan Basin is facing many coal, oil, and natural gas challenges. Political policy, climate impacts, and technology are only a few elements creating a strong headwind for economic survival.