Genoveva Chavez Community Center (GCCC) Will Reopen Monday, July 13

By City of Santa Fe

The COVID health pandemic has changed the world as we know it. One important impact has been the City’s extraordinary financial crisis—a $46 million deficit for the fiscal year which ends June 30, and a projected $100 million revenue shortfall for next fiscal year.

The City will continue to monitor emerging health recommendations, best practices, and the financial crisis as we make decisions moving forward about how, when, and whether we will reopen parts of City government. 

Recreation Facilities, Parks, and Trails

Portions of the Genoveva Chavez Community Center (GCCC) will reopen Monday, July 13.  The facility lap pool, fitness center, indoor track, and racquetball courts will reopen and will follow all COVID protocols set by the Governor.  The recreation pool, therapy pool, fitness classrooms, basketball courts, and ice skating rink will not open at this time.  The GCCC is a multi-use facility and the COVID restrictions paired with the financial crisis require the City to devise unique implementation plans.

The facility will be open Monday–Fridayfrom 6:30 a.m.– 6:30 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, closed on Sundays. Moving forward, the City will evaluate the hours of operation based on usage and feedback to make recommendations on service days and hours.

All visits to the Genoveva Chavez Community Center (GCCC) will be by reservation only.   No drop-ins or unscheduled visits will be accepted for safety reasons.   For detailed instructions for using the facility and to book reservations please call 505-955-4000.  For updates and information please visit our website at www.chavezcenter.com

The City will evaluate the reopening of GCCC before making a determination on opening Bicentennial Pool.

Ft. Marcy and Salvador Perez will remain closed.

Additional Updates:

• Playground Equipment and Basketball courts are still closed
• Drinking water fountains and bathrooms at parks are still closed

Open Amenities:

• Skate parks
• Parks and Trails
• Tennis courts
• Pickleball courts
• Frisbee golf courses

City staff will be performing a refresh on park areas previously taped off because the warning tape has either been blown off by the wind and elements or has been removed.

As always, anything you bring in please take back out with you.

Libraries will continue Curbside services at all three locations

Hours for curbside service are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 12 (noon) – 5:30 p.m.  Additionally, outdoor book drops are open for returns at all three locations with the limited hours of Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

Patrons can check out new materials by placing them on “hold” through the Library system’s online catalog catalog.santafelibrary.org  (account log-in is patron’s last name and their library card number), and request the location where they would like to pick up their materials. Patrons can also call one of the Library branches for assistance with placing holds (Main Library: 955-6785; La Farge: 955-4860; Southside: 955-2810). Patrons without cell phones may also call these numbers to schedule a walk-up pickup appointment.

Returns are not accepted at curbside pickup; patrons must use the outdoor book drops when returning materials during the designated hours. Returned materials will be placed in quarantine for 7 days before being checked in. Patrons may return materials and still see them on their account for 7-9 days afterward due to this health precaution. Holds may also take longer to fulfill due to this procedure. Any overdue notices patrons may receive for library materials that have already been returned may be disregarded.

Once the hold becomes available, patrons will be contacted by email or phone call. Patrons will have 10 days from the time of notice to pick up their materials at their requested curbside pickup location.

Each branch has dedicated parking spaces for patron pickup with numbers assigned. Once there, patrons are asked to call the phone number listed on signs to let staff know they’ve arrived. For confirmation, patrons will be asked to provide their name, date of birth, and library card number to verify their identity. All items will be bagged and brought out to their assigned parking space. Patrons must remain in their vehicle until staff return to the building.

Patrons are also encouraged to utilize the Library’s digital collections of eBooks, Audiobooks, Movies and virtual programming at santafelibrary.org  .

City Meetings will Continue to be Held Virtually

• Governing Body, City Council Committees and Land Use committees will continue to meet virtually.
• All other committees will not be held through Sept. 4
• Meetings can be viewed on YouTube. Please visit www.santafenm.gov to find a link for virtual meetings. 
• If you would like to submit a comment or join a meeting virtually for Petitions from the Floor, please send an email by 1 p.m. on the day of the meeting, to publiccomment@santafenm.gov. Please list on the subject line – Petitions from the Floor. These comments will be distributed to the Governing Body. For instructions on how to participate virtually, please see individual committee agendas or contact the City Clerk’s Office at (505) 955-6521.
• Land Use-related meetings will be held virtually. This includes: Planning Commission, Historic Districts Review Board, Early Neighborhood Notification (ENN) meetings, and Archaeological Review Committee. For instructions on how to participate virtually, please see individual committee agendas. You can also contact Noah Berke at nlberke@santafenm.gov to participate in a Land Use meeting. All virtual meetings will be available on the City’s primary or secondary YouTube Channel.

City buildings will remain closed through Sept. 4, 2020, virtual offices remain open. The City of Santa Fe will continue to provide all other services. This emergency health situation and financial crisis continue to change and evolve. We will provide regular updates on our website, social media, and through our email distribution.