Rio Rancho, contractor win award for Campus Park landscaping

RIO RANCHO — The city of Rio Rancho and a contractor were recently recognized for landscaping of the second phase of Campus Park.

The National Association of Landscape Professionals gave the city and the southwest division of Yellowstone Landscape the 2025 Bronze Award of Excellence, according to a news release from the Yellowstone Landscape, an NALP member. Out of all of the projects awarded this year, Phase 2 of Campus Park, located at in City Center, was the only one from New Mexico, a Yellowstone Landscape spokesperson said.

Deputy City Manager Peter Wells emailed that the recognition “further validates one of the objectives for Campus Park, which was to create a signature outdoor community gathering space for citizens to enjoy.”

In a news release, Ricardo Alderete, an operations manager of Yellowstone Landscape’s installation division, called Phase 2 a “very exciting and fast-paced job.”

It includes “additional open space, performance areas, vendor zones, improved parking, access pathways and shaded seating,” Yellowstone Landscape said.

The project was expected to be complete this past April but faced “weather-related delays,” Wells said. A ribbon-cutting was held on July 4 in conjunction with the city’s Independence Day and fireworks special event.

Phase 2’s completion came following the first phase, which opened in July 2021 following the transformation of the area in front of City Hall, according to the city’s website.