More about re-opening, summer activities for children

More about reopening 
 
Businesses and facilities are continuing a gradual, phased re-opening process this week, in compliance with the most recent expansion guidelines. While the general requirements for social distancing and the use of face masks remain in effect, restaurants are now open for indoor dining at 50% capacity. Yet for many small businesses, attracting customers and recouping income lost during the pandemic is still a challenge, as tourist traffic remains limited and clients remain cautious about visiting small enclosed shop spaces or eateries. Some smaller cities have addressed this challenge on a community-wide level: in Silver City, the town organized several blocks of street closures to create an open-market style atmosphere, “allowing restaurants and other downtown businesses to spill into the streets — and hopefully generate more sales as they struggle to recover.” 

In other areas, summer temperatures pushed visitors and residents outdoors; many state and local parks, most of which are now open, drew hikers, campers, and small groups of picnickers eager to get outdoors. To meet the increased need for physical activity and programming during the summer months, the Las Vegas Abe Montoya Recreation Center will reopen it facilities starting Monday 8 June. Initial activities available at the Recreation Center will be limited to Fitness and Wellness. At this time, the swimming pool and gymnasium are not open, and the summer camp and activities programs are not operating. More a schedule of hours, please consult the full announcement or call the Recreation Center at (505) 426-1739.

More about summer activities for children
Despite the closure of many traditional programs due to the coronavirus, New Mexico continues to offer resources and support for activities and programming for children during the summer. The New Mexico State Summer Youth Programs web page provides an alphabetical listing of current summer programs for children in New Mexico, which includes many online exhibits from museums and historic sites, as well as specific online programs made available through the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. 
New Mexico Kids also offers a well developed listing of home learning resources for parents and families that can inspire hours of learning and engagement.

In Las Vegas, the joint efforts of the 100% Community group partners, including collaboration among several action teams, have created the Mask Parade Giveaway, an initiative designed to communicate a message of “safety, hope and joy to San Miguel county youth and families during this unprecedented period of great need and limited resources.” The event, which is a vehicle parade, will take place Saturday 20 June, between 11-1.  The parade route will center around New Mexico Highlands University’s Melody Park and will feature stops along the way for information, give-aways, and goodies. The final stop will bring participants to a parking area where they can confirm or complete their census filing and enter a prize drawing for one of several gift cards, including one $500 grand prize card.  Don’t miss this fun, exciting event for the entire family.  For more information, refer to the local Community 100% website 
or call the El Valle Community Center at 575-421-0808.