A Legacy in the Making: Artesia’s New Recreation Center Promises Wellness, Connection, and Community Impact
A bold new chapter is unfolding in Artesia as plans for a modern, community-centered recreation hub come to life.
A New Space for a Growing Community
At approximately 49,600 square feet, the new recreation center will be located near the Artesia Aquatic Center, creating a dynamic health and wellness hub. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to serve residents of all ages, offering a welcoming space where people can gather to grow, play, and thrive together.
The current recreation center, now over 45 years old and 23,000 square feet in size, no longer meets the needs of the community. With limited space, no natural lighting, and no outdoor activity areas, the existing facility restricts programming and participation. The new ARC will address these limitations with an expansive design and a forward-thinking vision.
More Than Recreation: A Center for Community Life
The new ARC will serve as a multi-purpose space aimed at fostering physical, emotional, and social wellness through four key pillars:
- Health: The center will host preventative health screenings such as vision checks, blood pressure monitoring, and access to mental health resources, in collaboration with Artesia General Hospital and Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Wellness: With a fitness center, indoor and outdoor courts, turf areas, and mindfulness programming, the ARC will promote active lifestyles for all ages. Programs will include camps, afterschool activities, and recreation tailored for older adults.
- Outreach: ARC will provide accessible community space for events, social support groups, artist workshops, team-building programs, and cultural celebrations.
- Education: From tutoring and STEM access for youth to CPR and First Aid classes, the ARC will offer educational resources that empower individuals and families. It will also collaborate with groups like the Eastern New Mexico Youth Medical Explorers to introduce young people to careers in healthcare.
Creating a Sense of Place
Above all, ARC is about creating a place where people feel they belong. It will be a place to celebrate Artesia’s diversity, support lifelong learning, and connect generations. Estimated completion date is June 2026 and excitement is growing for what this new facility will mean for the city’s future.
Gratitude for a Shared Vision
The Artesia Recreation Center Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the many individuals and organizations making this vision a reality. Sincere thanks to Scott Taylor, who serves as the owner’s representative, guiding the project through construction with professionalism and care. Appreciation also goes to Huitt-Zollars, the architectural firm behind the inspiring design, and Jaynes Corporation, the trusted contractor bringing that vision to life.
Special recognition is owed to the Artesia Recreation Center Foundation Board for their unwavering leadership and dedication throughout every phase of this endeavor. And, to the generous donors whose belief in Artesia’s future has helped bring this project from concept to construction—thank you. Your support is shaping a lasting legacy for the community.
For more information, contact sborges@pyfoundation.com.
Sandra Borges
Sandra Borges is the Executive Director of the PY Foundation, where she leads strategic investments across Education, Health & Human Services, Arts & Culture, and Community Development in Artesia, Eddy County, and neighboring rural communities. A native of San Angelo, Texas, and raised in rural West Texas, Sandra holds a BA in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Spanish. In 2024, she earned a Master’s degree in Administrative Leadership from Angelo State University. Sandra has called Artesia, New Mexico home for the past 18 years, where she lives with her husband, David, and their two daughters, ages 8 and 4.
