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Welcome to the City of Carlsbad’s May Newsletter!

This month is full of activity across our city facilities, from Mother’s Day celebrations to fun programs for kids. As warmer weather arrives, residents can also look forward to the opening of the water park and splash pads.

In this issue, the Mayor shares updates on the river drainage project, an exciting new city grant, and upcoming events: CavernFest and Fourth of July celebrations. We’re also featuring the Cavern City Airport as our Department of the Month.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Neighbors & Friends:

As we move into the summer season, there’s a great deal of excitement building across our community.

Planning for this year ’ s CavernFest is well underway, and we are looking forward to another outstanding event. CavernFest will be held at the Carlsbad Beach area later this month, bringing together live music, vendors, and entertainment for all ages. For tickets, vendor opportunities, or performer information, please visit https://www.cavernfest.com/.

We appreciate the continued efforts of MainStreet and all those involved in organizing this signature event, and we look forward to seeing everyone come out to enjoy the festivities.

Preparations are also in full swing for our annual Fourth of July celebrations. This year ’ s events will begin on Friday night, July 3rd, with live music and food vendors. On Saturday, July 4th, we will continue with the beloved MainStreet parade, followed by additional free community activities and live music at the Carlsbad Beach Area leading up to the evening fireworks show. In honor of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are planning a special celebration for the community. We extend our thanks to our 2026 title sponsor, SIMCO, for their generous support. Please keep an eye out for the official schedule, which will be released soon.

We are also excited to share that the City of Carlsbad is in the process of accepting a grant from the National Fitness Campaign to bring a new outdoor Fitness Court to the Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex. This project will provide another opportunity for for residents to stay active and healthy. In addition, we are seeking community support aswe plan for changes and improvements to Project Playground, ensuring this important space

continues to serve local families for years to come.

As many of you know, the City drained the river in January to conduct inspections, complete necessary repairs, and address aquatic vegetation We are pleased to report that progress continues, including the expansion of the swimming area at Lake Carlsbad. Weather permitting, this project is expected to be completed by late next week, with dam gates scheduled to close on May 11. The river should fully refill within 2 to 3 weeks after closure.

Looking ahead to a summer filled with fun, the Carlsbad Water Park and splash pads are scheduled to open on May 23rd. We are excited to welcome residents and visitors back for another season of summer fun and relaxation at these valued community amenities.

Finally, I would like to recognize and congratulate our City of Carlsbad interns graduating in 2026: Hanli Norman from the Mayor’s Office, Aiden Garcia from Keep Carlsbad Beautiful, Andrew Baeza from Carlsbad Municipal Court, Trinity Griego and Daniel Brummett from the Carlsbad Police Department. We are proud of your hard work and accomplishments and wish you continued success in your future endeavors

We look forward to a wonderful summer filled with events, progress, and opportunities to come together as a community

Sincerely,

CarlsbadMayorRickLopez

Email: mayor office@cityofcarlsbadnm com

Phone: (575) 887-1191

If your workday were a “control panel,” what are you usually adjusting most?

What would you do if you found a secret door in your house?

You walk away from your desk for 10 minutes—what are you hoping doesn’t happen while you ’ re gone?

If your attention span were an animal, what would it be?

What is your reaction when someone says “quick question” at work?

If you had to pick one fictional “ summer setting,” where are you going?

CAVERN CITY AIR TERMINAL

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Cavern City Air Terminal is a public-use airport owned by the City of Carlsbad. The airport features four runways and serves as a primary aviation gateway for southeastern New Mexico, connecting residents, energy sector workers, and visitors, including tourists headed to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It began as the Carlsbad Army Airfield (CAAF), a training base established in 1942 for B17 and B-24 bombardier training during World War II.

Recently, new flight options have expanded service for the community. Contour Airlines launched nonstop flights to Albuquerque International Sunport and Denver International Airport beginning March 1, 2026. These routes increase travel options for the Carlsbad region and strengthen connectivity to major domestic and international destinations Flights to Albuquerque operate daily, while service to Denver runs five times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Service to Dallas will begin once the new terminal is in place and TSA screening is operational.

Passengers flying with Contour Airlines can expect 30-seat regional jets with extra legroom, complimentary snacks and beverages, and one free checked bag with every fare. Through Contour’s interline agreements, travelers also have access to seamless connections at Albuquerque and Denver, allowing them to book a single itinerary and connect to hundreds of destinations worldwide.

The airport is also working toward adding TSA screening. Once approved by the FAA and operational at CNM, TSA screening will allow checked baggage on co-

-nnecting flights that require security screening This will allow passengers to go directly to their gate at their connecting airport, with luggage transferring without the need to go back through TSA screening.

Once TSA service is in place, the planned Dallas route will further expand travel opportunities for the community. Having Dallas, Denver, and Albuquerque as gateway destinations is the long-term goal for CNM, and airport leadership has received positive feedback from FAA representatives that this is a very achievable objective. The goal is to provide the community with as many travel options as possible for reaching final destinations both domestically and worldwide.

For someone flying out of Cavern City Air Terminal for the first time, the experience is simple and straightforward. The terminal is small and user-friendly, offering a quick, stress-free travel experience with a comfortable waiting area. There are no long lines or complicated terminals passengers simply check in, board, and go.

Community response to the new flights has been very positive, with continued anticipation for adding all three destinations Denver, Albuquerque, and Dallas to the airport’s schedule in the future.

Looking ahead, what excites the airport most is the future of expanded air service. Jet travel and the TSA baggage screening process are expected to greatly improve the travel experience from Carlsbad, offering more comfortable flights on larger, faster planes and quicker, easier transfers at connecting airports around the country and the world.

Sincerely,

DinaNavarrette Director of Community Development

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

We want to remind residents about the City of Carlsbad subscription service that helps keep you informed. Whether you're interested in City alerts, news, or public meetings, you can receive updates directly by email or phone, no social media needed.

To sign up or update your preferences, go directly to: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NMCARLSBAD/subscriber/new

Once there, you can just enter your email address and follow the prompts. It only takes a minute. You can choose the topics that matter most to you:

Alerts (email or text)

City News & Announcements (email or text)

Public Meetings & Agendas (email only)

This service continues to be an important way we connect with the community, especially for residents who may not use social media regularly We encourage you to sign up through the link above and share this opportunity with family and friends.

If someone you know needs assistance getting set up, or if you have questions, please contact Valeria Bannister at 575-887-1191 for help Staying informed is simple and assistance is always available!

Sincerely,

ValeriaBannister Communication Specialist

Pets of the Month

Name: Willow & Jim Dandy (Left to right)

Pawrent: Diane Malone

They are both crazy but we love them

of our Cit

Name: Shadow

Pawrent: Matt & Amee Fletcher

Name: Kash

Pawrent: Robert Morton

A French bulldog, he loves to play fetch, and he has a very strong personality and loves to eat everything in sight!

Shadow has a super cool personality and is always full of energy, and gets along great with our 3 dogs In fact, we think he thinks he is a dog

Name: Buck

Pawrent: Brittany Aragon

He loves to play with empty water bottles and we are pretty sure he is part Velociraptor

to H

Mayor

Trinity Griego Carlsbad Police Dept.

Daniel Brummett Carlsbad Police Dept.

Aiden Garcia Keep Carlsbad Beautiful

Andrew Baeza Carlsbad Municipal Court

MAY EVENTS AND DATES

For more information regarding any of these events or others please visit the official City Events Calander.

All Month Long:

Carlsbad Museum Art

Academy Registrations

Seeking Sponsors 2026

Carlsbad 4th of July

Celebration

City of Carlsbad Water

Park Party Reservations

Fri. May 1st-12th:

Carlsbad Museum

Presents Carlsbad

Student Art Show

Relay for Life

Fri. May 1st:

Lion’s Club Carnival at Walter Gerrells Center

Sat. May 2nd:

Lion’s Club Carnival at Walter Gerrells Center

Cinco de Mayo Three

Person Scramble United Way

Vitalant Blood Donation

DONATE For Mothers

Sun. May 3rd:

Lion’s Club Carnival at Walter Gerrells Center

Tues. May 5th: Behavioral Health Workshop

SENMC Google

Workspace for Creative Professionals

Wed. May 6th:

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

SENMC Yoga

Thurs. May 7th:

Carlsbad National Day of

Prayer, Special Guest

Danny Gokey

Fri. May 8th:

The Grand Opening of the History Garden & Hall of Fame

Sat. May 9th:

Serve For Those Who

Served Pickleball Tournament

Yucca Blossom Mother’s Day Market

Sat. May 9th Continued:

Mother’s Day Market at Nurvis Purvis Brewing

Carlsbad Public Library

Caffeine & Cultivation

Wed. May 13th:

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Vitalant Blood Donation

DONATE For Mothers

Thurs. May 14th:

Vitalant Blood Donation

DONATE For Mothers

Fri. May 15th:

Ruidoso Casino Bus Trip

Wed. May 20th:

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Wed. May 20th

Continued:

Brews & Books at Milton’s Brewing

Mon. May 25th:

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

Tues. May 26th:

Vitalant Blood Donation

DONATE For Mothers

Wed. May 27th:

Carlsbad Public Library

LEGO Time

Thurs. May 28th:

Carlsbad Veteran

Resource Fair at the Walter Gerrells Center

Fri. May 29th:

Storytime at the Living Desert Zoo

Summer Reading KickOff Party at the Carlsbad Public Library

Sat. May 30th:

Obscure Band Live at Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company

For more information regarding any of these events or others please visit the official City Events Calander.

NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION – Constructors Inc.

Constructors, Inc. continues work on the Carlsbad Middle School Project along Old Cavern Hwy.

The northbound lane on Old Cavern Hwy will remain closed for approximately the next six weeks. The closure will only be in effect during working hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., to maintain a safety barrier for crews working on sidewalk installation.

Southbound traffic will remain open, but motorists are advised to use caution in the area and expect minor delays. Drivers are encouraged to follow all posted signage and be aware of construction personnel and equipment.

Traffic control devices will be in place to guide motorists and help protect both workers and the traveling public. Work will take place daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation. For any questions, please call 575-885-8838.