County seeks feedback on Ashley Pond safety barrier designs

Los Alamos County is asking residents to weigh three preliminary barrier concepts meant to stop vehicles from leaving Trinity Drive and entering Ashley Pond Park, a safety fix that would reshape one of downtown Los Alamos’ most visible edges.

The county said the designs were developed with contractor Groundworks Studio and are now open for public feedback through Aug. 2. The proposal is aimed at reducing the risk of a vehicle inadvertently or intentionally crossing the roadway boundary and entering the park, where families, pedestrians and event-goers gather during concerts, festivals and everyday use.

The three concepts take different approaches to the same problem. One uses round concrete piers to create a clean, functional edge. Another relies on large raised planters to give the border a more formal garden feel. A third blends the safety features into the landscape with large boulders and native plantings, an option that would be less industrial in appearance and more closely tied to the park itself.

That balance between protection and appearance is central to the county’s planning. Ashley Pond is not just open space; it is a downtown landmark that anchors a busy civic area. Any permanent fix will affect how drivers see the corridor, how pedestrians move near the roadway and how open the park feels to people walking between the street, the pond and surrounding venues.

For now, the county has already brought back temporary concrete barriers along the corridor for the busy summer season. Those barriers have been painted, and the county even invited residents to volunteer to paint a section themselves, echoing the Community Art Tunnel project. The approach suggests the county wants the safety upgrade to feel like part of the community rather than a wall dropped into the middle of downtown.

The project also sits on a long timeline. The county said it is aiming to install the permanent feature by mid-May 2027, leaving months for the public to shape the final design before crews lock in a permanent solution. For residents who use Ashley Pond as a concert venue, festival site and daily gathering place, the choice will affect both safety and the character of the park’s edge for years to come.