Española’s love of public art … a mural at Lucero Center. Courtesy photo

Lucero Center was the site of the March 5 Municipal Election. Courtesy photo

City of Española News:

The City of Española on Friday, March 15 celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Richard L. Lucero Center. The Center, which houses the City’s library and recreational facilities, is named after the late Mayor Richard L. Lucero.

Lucero presided over the administration that saw the Center built.

Española’s library was first established in 1915 when books were placed at the home of the daughter of the first stationmaster in Española. In 1971 the City of Española developed plans for a neighborhood facility, which would include a 10,000 square foot library. The Lucero Center has housed the library since.

The recreational facilities include a gymnasium with basketball and pickleball courts, an indoor swimming pool, and an exercise and weight room. The outside of the Center depicts a mural highlighting Española’s “Where Cultures Unite” theme.

“Mayor Lucero’s administration oversaw the greatest expansion of City facilities in Española’s history,”  Mayor John Ramon Vigil said. “Bringing services to the people of the Española valley is a big part of his legacy.”

Lucero was mayor of Española three times for a total of 22 years. He died Jan. 22, 2024, less than two months before the golden anniversary of the facility that bears his name.

Lucero Center pool. Courtesy photo