Bottomless Lakes State Park named "Best of Chaves County"
Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor
Melanie A. Kenderdine , Cabinet Secretary Designate
Ben Shelton, Acting Deputy Cabinet Secretary
Toby Velasquez, State Parks Division Director
Contact:
Wendy Mason
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
NM State Parks Division
wendy.mason@emnrd.nm.gov
505-819-1785
Sidney Hill
Public Information Officer, EMNRD
sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov
505-629-2900
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 30, 2024
Bottomless Lakes State Park named “Best of Chaves County”
Chaves County Economic Development Corporation presents award for Best Place to Take an Out-of-Towner
SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico State Parks Division is proud to announce that Bottomless Lakes State Park was recognized by citizens and the Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation (RCCEDC) as Chaves County ’ s Best Place to Take an Out-of-Towner.
“We are excited that one of the very first New Mexico State Parks is being highlighted as the true gem that it is,” said Parks Division Director Toby Velasquez . “It’s a significant accomplishment because this award was chosen specifically by the people of Chaves County. We can’t thank them and the RCCEDC enough for bestowing such a great honor on us and the amazing staff and volunteers at Bottomless Lakes State Park.”
More than 2,000 Chaves County residents participated in an online survey from the RCCEDC to vote for their favorite dining, shopping, services, and local fun. A total of 23 certificates were awarded recognizing the top choices during the 2024 Best of Chaves County awards Thursday, July 18, at the Roswell Convention Center.
“Selected by thousands of local citizens, this park is highly rated as an amazing location serving our region for travelers and locals alike,” said Michael Espiritu , President and CEO RCCEDC. “The well-maintained park and facilities showcase one of the many reasons people choose to visit there and the local area. ”
Established in 1933, Bottomless Lakes is one of New Mexico’s first State Parks. It’s located approximately 13 miles southeast of Roswell, 75 miles north of Carlsbad and 80 miles west of the Texas border. The park’s most prominent feature is a chain of eight lakes, which are formed by sinkholes. Swimming, camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and paddlecraft are the most popular activities for visitors. More than 136,000 people enjoyed the park’s amenities in 2023. For a detailed history of the park, check out the Bottomless Lakes State Park Management Plan here .
The New Mexico State parks system is comprised of 35 parks located in 25 of 33 counties. It encompasses 19 lakes and 196,677 acres of land and water. For more information go to emnrd.nm.gov and click on the State Parks tab.
(Figure 1, L to R) Kari Richards - Southeast Region Manager, Randall Overmier - Plant Operations Specialist, Jonathan McGary - Park Law Enforcement Superintendent - Delbert Yandell - Park Technician. (Figure 2) Approximately 360 people attended the Best of Chaves County awards at the Roswell Convention Center. Photos: NM State Parks.
Bottomless Lakes State Parks’ most prominent feature is a chain of eight lakes, which are formed by sinkholes. Photos: NM State Parks.
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New Mexico State Parks is a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department . Our mission is to protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide first-class recreational and education facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety to benefit and enrich the lives of visitors.
Sidney Hill
Public Information Officer
New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)
Email: sidney.hill@emnrd.nm.gov
Phone: 505-629-2900