In a recent government meeting, community members discussed the impact of the Acequia Trail and ongoing efforts to enhance its accessibility and cleanliness. The dialogue was sparked by a survey conducted by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) earlier this year, which highlighted the increased usage of the trail by residents from neighborhoods such as Casa Alegre, Pueblo Alegre, La Siniquita, and the Silor Ruffina district.

On September 21, approximately 30 residents gathered as part of the \"Keep Santa Fe Beautiful\" initiative, alongside volunteers from the Secu Madre Parcianes Watershed Association and the Trash Pandas, a local group dedicated to cleaning public spaces. The event not only focused on trail maintenance but also served as a platform for community members to learn about the trail's history and express their desire for future gatherings.

The Trash Pandas are scheduled to return on October 19 to continue their cleanup efforts, having previously collected significant amounts of debris, including shopping carts and tires, from the trail area. The meeting also highlighted the involvement of local youth, who engaged in the cleanup and discovered interesting items during their efforts.

A key concern raised during the meeting was the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, particularly following an incident involving a local resident, Bill Hutchinson, who was injured in a traffic accident. The discussion led to the suggestion of utilizing bikemaps.org, a website designed for reporting bike accidents and near misses, to create a record of hazardous areas along the trail. This initiative aims to improve safety for all trail users.

Additionally, concerns were voiced regarding the narrow design of a bridge on the Acequia Trail, which poses challenges for cyclists. Community members are advocating for improvements to ensure safer passage for all users, particularly children attending nearby schools.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's commitment to enhancing the Acequia Trail as a vital resource for residents while addressing safety and maintenance issues collaboratively.