Parks & Recreation Youth Board

In light of the COVID-19 situation, the Parks & Recreation Dept. is in process of creating a plan to continue our services and programs in alignment with the Governor’s Office and New Mexico Department of Health directives. Please check back here or look for notifications from our administrative office or information posted to social media for updated information.

Who we are:

The Youth Advisory Board is comprised of 16 school-age teenagers, who serve a one-year term on the board. They meet bi-monthly and learn about City government and the decision-making process, the community, and will have opportunities to provide input on various topics all the while, providing a youth perspective to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and management. Past members are selected to serve as officers and lead the board meetings.

Board Members

  • Are selected through an application and interview process, commit to a two-year term.
  • Meet the first Thursday of every month.
  • Learn about the community, City government and opportunities business, banking and the nonprofit world can offer.
  • Gain experience in leadership and business etiquette.
  • Provide a youth perspective to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and City Management.
  • Participate in special functions and events.

Interested in joining PRYB? 

We are currently opening the process for youth to apply for the Parks & Recreation Youth Board.

Each spring, we encourage current 7th – 12th graders who live in the city to apply for the next school year. No previous leadership experience is necessary. Applications are now available and due back by November 30. 

A committee of Parks & Recreation Department staff, Parks & Recreation Advisory Board members, and designees will review the applications and interview applicants. New members will be invited to join based on their potential to positively contribute to the board’s work and their capacity to represent the diversity of Las Cruces’ youth community.

What we do:

  • Provide a platform for young people to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.
  • Promote the youth voice in Las Cruces.
  • Implement community projects to help address youth needs through action teams.
  • Plan and run our own meetings.
  • Advise local agencies on youth-related issues, including the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and City departments.

Learn More

For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 575-541-2550, or email the Youth Board with questions!