The village is progressing with a master plan to transform the Corrales Interior Drain into a community greenway that enhances public access, conservation and infrastructure. To move forward, the village is seeking community feedback to shape the preliminary designs of the master plan which will be reviewed at upcoming council meetings.
Built in the 1930s to control groundwater and supply water to local irrigators, the 1.9-mile Corrales Interior Drain has since outlived its original purpose. Now, it presents an opportunity for revitalization as a vibrant greenway, featuring trails, wildlife habitats and recreational spaces.
“We’re going to make it so the road is passable, we would love to see a plan to slow down traffic, those kinds of things.,†said Tanya Lattin, the Corrales deputy fire chief. “We’d love to see stuff for people to feel safe to walk, but we want the community to come back and give us their ideas or what they feel they need.â€
On November 6, the village hosted around 30 residents at the village administration building, where they met with the project team to share ideas for the 26-acre corridor. Earlier, on Oct. 6, residents were welcomed for a multi-modal tour along the Interior Drain — walking, biking or taking a hayride — to discuss their vision for the space.
According to Lattin, some recommendations for the greenway include incorporating land art and functional art crafted from natural materials. These installations could support local wildlife and promote ecological balance. One example is bird nests woven from biodegradable materials that decompose and reintegrate into the environment over time.
The village’s contracted landscape architect, Amy Bell of Anthropopulus Design and Planning, will consolidate community ideas from recent years to draft initial designs. These designs will be brought back to the community for review and input before the final plan is completed.
In 2023, the Village entered a Joint Powers Agreement with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, gaining management of the land along the Interior Drain from South Meadowlark Lane to Valverde Road. Corrales also received a $150,000 appropriation from the state legislature in 2022 to help fund the project.
Although the Interior Drain Committee was disbanded in May, its proposed uses, such as a butterfly garden and a water line for the Fire Department to support fire fighting east of Corrales Road, will be included in the master plan.
According to Mayor Jim Fahey, the Interior Drain will incorporate a sewer line and fire suppression system, including fire hydrants, to supply water to the Bosque. The village also aims to ensure access to water for the commercial core, where local businesses are located.
The village aims to have an initial plan ready for community review by December. However, Lattin said scheduling a public meeting may be difficult due to the holidays. A complete plan is not expected until next year.
Public Involvement
Residents are encouraged to participate in the feedback process by completing a survey online at app.maptionnaire.com/q/7stf4pso48sa