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.167423.1
HOUSE MEMORIAL 23
48
TH
LEGISLATURE
- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -
FIRST SESSION
, 2007
INTRODUCED BY
Danice Picraux
A MEMORIAL
REQUESTING THAT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO BECOME AN ADVOCATE
FOR THE DEDICATION OF PROPERTY KNOWN AS THE "NORTH GOLF COURSE"
AS PERMANENT UNIVERSITY URBAN GREEN SPACE.
WHEREAS, the university of New Mexico received the land
for the north golf course for one dollar ($1.00); and
WHEREAS, the labor to construct the north golf course was
provided without cost by the works progress administration and
includes a historic structure designed by noted university
architect John Gaw Meem; and
WHEREAS, all of the trees on the north golf course were
given by neighbors who allowed them to be dug out of their
yards and transplanted to the golf course; and
WHEREAS, former university of New Mexico President Thomas
Popejoy envisioned the north golf course as a place of
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.167423.1
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recreation for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, the north golf course is the largest green space
in the center of Albuquerque, which also serves the city by
reducing the urban heat island effect; and
WHEREAS, the trees protect the campus and surrounding area
from the pollutants vehicles emit on the state's two largest
interstates; and
WHEREAS, the trees are significant contributors toward the
city of Albuquerque's urban forest improvement initiative; and
WHEREAS, the north golf course is a refuge for wildlife
such as hawks, coyotes, roadrunners, rabbits and over a hundred
other desert creatures; and
WHEREAS, the north golf course provides further drainage
of storm water, which protects part of the city from flooding;
and
WHEREAS, the north golf course is a revenue-generating
part of the university of New Mexico's athletics program; and
WHEREAS, rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and
other illnesses caused by sedentary behaviors are increasing at
an alarming rate; and
WHEREAS, the north golf course provides a perimeter trail
of two miles open to walkers and joggers; and
WHEREAS, encouraging healthy lifestyles and exercise is an
inexpensive way to improve the health of Albuquerque residents;
and
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.167423.1
WHEREAS, the north golf course contributes to a walkable
community and connectivity between the university, businesses
and surrounding neighborhoods;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the university
of New Mexico be requested to undertake action to permanently
set aside the property commonly known as the "north golf
course" for continued beneficial use as noted above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be
sent to each member of the board of regents of the university
of New Mexico, the president of the university of New Mexico,
the mayor of Albuquerque, each member of the Albuquerque city
council and the governor.
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