McGee Park Master Plan Proposals Aim to Boost Local Economy

San Juan County commissioners reviewed a series of conceptual master plan designs for McGee Park during their November 10 meeting, receiving options developed by consultants that emphasize multipurpose use and economic opportunity. The designs seek to balance the park's continuing racetrack operations with new facilities intended to draw tournament play, larger gatherings, and overnight visitors.

Key elements presented to the commission include a turf infield intended to attract tournament play by providing a durable, all weather surface, and a potential covered arena for year round events. The concepts also show new pickleball courts, RV friendly recreation areas to accommodate traveling tournament participants and families, realignment of the park pond, and reconfigured staging areas to better support large events. Together these features aim to increase the park's flexibility to host sports competitions and cultural gatherings without displacing the existing racetrack activity.

Commissioners spent the meeting discussing priorities for the site plan, how the work might be phased, and the range of funding options available. County staff framed design choices in the context of potential grant opportunities and likely economic development outcomes for Farmington and the greater county, noting that facility improvements can be part of broader strategies to attract visitors and events that generate hotel, restaurant, and retail activity.

For San Juan County residents the proposals represent both immediate planning choices and longer term questions about public investment and community use. A turf infield and covered arena could expand the calendar of events, bringing off season tournaments and conventions that increase demand for lodging and services. Pickleball courts and RV friendly areas respond to current recreational trends and could make the park a regional draw for visiting players and families. Pond realignment and staging reconfiguration were presented as operational improvements that would enhance safety, traffic flow, and the ability to stage concurrent events.

The commission did not adopt a final plan at the meeting. Instead discussion centered on sequencing work and identifying financing pathways, including grants, that could make different elements feasible. Next steps for McGee Park will likely involve more detailed design, cost estimates, and continued evaluation of funding sources before the county moves to implementation. Commissioners and staff framed the process as an opportunity to position McGee Park as a more versatile community asset with potential to boost local economic activity while preserving its established racetrack function.