A 501(c)3 and New Mexico Not-For-Profit Corporation
Cerrillos Hills Park Coalition vision statement
Developed January 2003,
approved March 6, 2003
Passionately tied to their Patria Chica,
or local homeland, the Cerrillos Hills Park Coalition serves as stewards of this
land and of the vision of the Park. The organization assures that the park
enriches all those who visit and experience it, inspiring them to protect these
hills and their history for all generations to come. The Coalition is a resource
for the community in accessing this rich heritage for its own pride, development,
and growth.
Vision
In the beginning... summer 2000
The Cerrillos Hills Historic Park offers a dramatic and
unique opportunity to preserve one of the Southwest's important archeological,
historic, cultural, ecological, and scenic places, while making it available to
people - for recreation, education, research, and building community.
The Cerrillos Hills, with their gentle and distinctive profile southwest of Santa
Fe, form a visual landmark for most residents of Northern Mew Mexico as well as
visitors to the area. Few, however, are aware of the rich history and stark beauty
of the area.
And what The Plaza represents for Santa Fe and other New Mexico communities, the
Cerrillos Hills Park can be for Santa Fe County, providing:
For local residents: a common identity and a focus for community activity
and volunteerism, as well as an understanding of the area's history.
For all Santa Fe County citizens: a range of recreational and educational
activities in a setting carefully designed to protect historic sites and the
natural environment, while ensuring public safety. The county would also benefit
from tourism generated by the park.
For visitors from elsewhere in New Mexico and beyond: In addition to the
benefits to couny residents, a place to study and understand some of the ancient
and more recent mining history of the Southwest United States.
The park will be designed and managed to minimize the physical impact on this
unique resource. For example, public access will be limited by providing a single
point of entry and a defined parking and staging area where information will be
provided on park features and regulations. Some uses will be allowed only in
supervised groups.
Potential park activities include: hiking, horseback riding, and biking;
supervised camping; educational tours; artistic activities such as painting,
sketching, photography, and music; visits to archeological and historic sites;
limited and controlled hobby mining; piņon and wild herb collecting, and reclaiming
degraded areas.
In short, the Cerrillos Hills Historic Park will multiply the opportunities for
county residents and visitors alike to enjoy and learn. about the Cerrillos Hills
in all its many facets, while protecting and preserving the area for generations
to come.
This website is maintained by the Cerrillos
Hills Park Coalition
and is dedicated to the creation, enhancement and stewardship
of an historical, recreational, and cultural open space in
the
Cerrillos Hills, Santa Fe County, New Mexico, USA
