Cañada Rincon Trail Project Receives 2026 ACEC New Mexico Engineering Excellence Award

The City of Santa Fe and Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects announce that the Cañada Rincon Trail project has been recognized with a 2026 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) New Mexico.

Completed in February 2025, the 0.38-mile, 10-foot-wide multiuse trail connects Calle Mejía to Camino Francisca/Avenida Rincón, expanding Santa Fe's regional trail network and improving multimodal access for pedestrians and bicyclists. The project reflects over a decade of collaboration between the City and Wilson & Company, focused on delivering a safe, accessible, and environmentally sensitive corridor.

Developed in partnership with key stakeholders, including the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Reserve Homeowners Association, and state and federal agencies, the project successfully navigated complex terrain, utility coordination, and regulatory requirements while remaining on schedule and within budget. Funding was made possible through a collaborative effort with the New Mexico Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the City of Santa Fe.

The trail design emphasizes sustainability and context-sensitive solutions, incorporating native landscaping, drainage, and retaining structures that blend with the natural environment, and features such as privacy-enhancing fencing to address community concerns. ADA-compliant design, improved sightlines, and durable materials ensure long-term usability and safety for all users.

"The Cañada Rincon Trail represents what can be achieved through strong partnerships, thoughtful design, and a shared commitment to community," said project representatives. "This recognition from ACEC highlights the project's lasting impact on connectivity, recreation, and quality of life in Santa Fe."

Now open to the public, the Cañada Rincon Trail serves as a vital link between neighborhoods, schools, and open spaces, transforming a once-challenging corridor into a valued community asset. Click here to view project videos.

The award was presented at the ACEC gala on April 17, 2026, at Sandia Golf Club.

For more information, contact Romella Glorioso-Moss, [email protected], or Kody Keelin, [email protected].