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New Mexico Tech Interim President Jackson has been attending local meetings to promote a Student and Community Wellness Center.
According to Jackson, the center will ideally feature a competitive swimming pool, updated weight room, rock climbing wall, sports courts, locker rooms, outdoor equipment rental, an indoor running/walking track and an e-gaming space.
He estimates the project will cost over 45 million dollars and will require collaboration from the city, county and schools.
He said McClain + Yu Architecture and Design is currently under contract, and planning for the project is underway. The City of Socorro has included this project in their ICIP submission for 2026, while Socorro County plans to include it in their ICIP submission for 2027.
In his presentations, he emphasized the existing facility and pool are not only outdated but also cannot host high school competitions due to the pool length.
“It was built originally in the FDR administration. It was remodeled during the Ford administration, and the pool was built during the Eisenhower administration. So I tell folks, it’s about time that we do something with this in order to go ahead and bring it into the 21st Century.” Jackson said at the City of Socorro meeting last week.
The center would provide updated spaces for exercise, wellness activities, and recreation for local residents, not just New Mexico Tech students.
He said they are still trying to figure out funding to be sought over multiple cycles through legislative asks, grants, local partnerships, and possibly bonds. They are also still discussing locations on campus.
Jackson said the broader vision is to foster economic development, attract students and ensure the facility serves both Tech and the wider Socorro community.
