T-or-C Eyes Riverwalk Trail Along The Rio Grande

Truth or Consequences is moving forward with plans for a proposed Riverwalk Trail at Ralph Edwards Park, following approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the city and Sierra County during the last commission meeting.

Community Services Director O.J. Hechler said “the Trails+ Grant and the Outdoor Recreation Division want to see that projects are a regional collaboration. Thus, the MOU with the county and possibly [future agreements with] other local groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Turtleback Trails Network.”

If the grant is awarded, the city would manage construction, regulatory compliance, administration of grant funds and required reporting to the Outdoor Recreation Division. Sierra County would assist with promotion, community outreach and technical support.

Hechler said a final design has not yet been completed, but preliminary details are being prepared for a grant application due Sept. 30. The proposed trail would be about 0.2 miles long and 10 feet wide, though it would narrow near the skate park and along Austin Street. It would begin near the boat dock on the eastern edge of Ralph Edwards Park and continue west towards Riverbend Hot Springs.

The project would include native landscaping, educational signage and upgraded electrical hook-ups for food trucks and special event equipment. Officials say the trail would build on recent improvements at the park, including new picnic tables, shade structures, a gazebo, playground equipment, a non-motorized boat access ramp and upgrades to the skate park.

The trail is expected to serve walkers, runners, wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers while improving access along the Rio Grande. In partnership with the Turtleback Trails Network, the city also plans to create a catalog of signs and use GIS tools to manage the sign inventory.

For residents and visitors alike, the proposed riverwalk would offer an easy excuse to lace up a pair of walking shoes, watch for birds along the Rio Grande, grab a bite from a food truck and enjoy a little fresh air, proving that sometimes a short stroll can go a long way toward building a healthier, more connected community.