Play for life!

President’s Message---December, 2019

Play & History; a great marriage

Those who have yet to experience northern New Mexico, an opportunity awaits you. The Original Meadow City of Las Vegas is a must visit destination! Once a cultural and commerce capital, it was destined to become the largest city in New Mexico. It was not to be, and it crept into a basket of forgotten jewels.

The Montoya Recreation Center shares a wealth of fitness & sporting opportunities for all ages. While youth groups play in a formal basketball tourney, the four championship racquetball/handball courts are filled with tournament action as well. The weight and cardio areas are energized, as is the junior Olympic swimming pool. Outside are wannabe X Game participants negotiating the skating park obstacles. At the west boundary are avid golfers teeing off at the Gene Torrez NMHU Golf Club.

If one wants a reprieve from the many options for physical activity, travel five miles north to the Village of Montezuma, where a host of natural mineral baths sit below the awesome Castle atop the hill of the Armand Hammer World College. Once a thriving Fred Harvey hotel and a place for diversion for the railroad hierarchy, it now enlightens college prep students from over 80 countries.

Center city is New Mexico Highlands University, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs and boasts the current national championship rugby team. For more entertainment; dine, imbibe, and stay at the historic Plaza Hotel, a 19th century charm where claims are still maid about ghosts in the rooms. Allen Affeldt, a racquetball player in his own right, is the owner of the La Posada, a Fred Harvey National Registry Hotel in Winslow, Arizona. A history advocate, a civic leader, and an entrepreneur, Allen saw the potential in the New Mexico marketplace. A short time ago he purchased the Plaza and the dormant Castaneda property, which had been closed since the 1940’s. It is another Fred Harvey National Registry Hotel. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief makes daily runs into the city, stopping at the depot to load and unload patrons. Stay overnight to experience the newly remodeled hotel and restaurant/bar. With some luck, Allen will treat you to a tour of the 19th century bakery, formal dining area, and traveling spa.

The City of Las Vegas welcomes additional programming opportunities for New Mexico Racquetball. Joining our annual Meadow City event will be a handball tournament next year. We shall continue to ride the wave of entertainment, history, and value. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Photos Castaneda restored   tourney champions from Meadow City Racquetball

NMRacquetball.com

Serving New Mexico, Southern Colorado, & West Texas since 1977