Apodaca Park

Park History

Positioned in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Apodaca Park spreads across a generous 25 acres of public land. The park bears the name of Mike Apodaca, who served as Las Cruces Mayor from 1953 to 1955, and was officially dedicated back in 1957.

Iconic Sculpture

What might catch your eye first is the massive Native American sculpture called "Dineh" standing proudly at the entrance. This impressive 20-foot-high creation with a five-foot diameter comes from the talented hands of artist Peter Wolf Toth.

Dedicated on August 23, 1986, the sculpture honors all Native Americans of New Mexico. It portrays an older Native American man with flowing long hair, a head scarf, and a medallion around his neck.

Locals have taken to calling it "The Chief" with genuine affection. It's become more than just a sculpture - it's a local landmark. Some people even choose this spot as the backdrop for their wedding photos, which says a lot about how popular it is.

Recreation Facilities

Nearly a third of the park is dedicated to an 8-acre ballpark that represents home field for the Las Cruces Vaqueros baseball team. Beyond baseball, you'll come across the space hosting everything from softball tournaments to adult kickball leagues all year long.

If you're looking to get some steps in, the park offers a 0.6-mile walking trail (that's 1,267 steps for those counting) rated as grade 2 in difficulty. The path follows the sidewalk around the perimeter - meant for a morning walk or taking your dog for a stroll.

Sports and Activities

One of the park's highlights has to be its pickleball courts, converted from former tennis courts. These well-kept courts have developed quite a following, with regular drop-in play happening most mornings. The regular players are generally friendly to newcomers.

The park doesn't stop there - multiple sports fields and courts make it a natural gathering spot for all kinds of activities. On any given weekend, you might see baseball, softball, volleyball, and kickball games all happening at once.

Playground and Picnic Areas

Kids gravitate toward the modern playground with equipment that's kept in good shape and regularly cleaned. The setup seems especially appealing to the younger crowd, with toddlers and elementary-aged children finding plenty to keep them entertained.

Across the park, you'll come across numerous picnic areas with tables and benches, many thoughtfully placed under shade trees. Several spots come equipped with grills, making it easy to turn a simple park visit into a proper cookout or celebration.

Landscape and Atmosphere

One notable feature of Apodaca Park is its abundance of shade trees and well-maintained grassy areas - particularly welcome during those hot New Mexico summers. The greenery creates a peaceful backdrop that feels somewhat removed from city life.

The park has a particularly serene quality during daylight hours. While it's open into the evening, most people recommend visiting during the day rather than after dark. Mornings tend to be particularly pleasant when the grounds are freshly maintained and less crowded.

Location & Access

Getting to Apodaca Park couldn't be easier. If you're using public transportation, hop on the Las Cruces Transit Route 70. The park sits near the intersection of Solano and Madrid, making it convenient for both locals and visitors to find.

There's plenty of parking available, however you might want to arrive early during tournaments or special events when spaces fill up quickly. The gates are open daily from 5AM to 11PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all the park has to offer.