Villanueva State Park Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Villanueva, NM – Villanueva State Park celebrated their 50^th anniversary Saturday with a music, a car show and a fantastic community turnout.

Park Manager John Villanueva and State Parks Director Christy Tafoya kicked-off the event in front of Cargo Rock by recognizing the families of two prominent figures in Villanueva State Park’s history – former governor David F. Cargo who dedicated the park on October 29, 1967, and Fortunato Gallegos, who was the park’s first superintendent.

“My dad absolutely loved this area and he really wanted to create something special for the community and all the other communities around here,” said Elena Cargo Reed, daughter of late governor David Cargo.  “It’s nice to keep this place alive and it’s a great place to visit.”

Director Tafoya also read a proclamation by Governor Susana Martinez proclaiming April 28^th, 2018 as Villanueva State Park Day in New Mexico.