Freeport McMoran

Recreation Center in New Mexico Opens Doors Thanks to Freeport Funding

October 9, 2025

From vision to reality, one New Mexico town has a new shared space, thanks to help from Freeport.

In August, the Henry V. “La Burra” Morales Recreation Center opened its doors in Silver City, New Mexico. Breaking ground in early 2024, the recreation center is a multi-million facility funded through a variety of sources, including state appropriations—and a meaningful contribution from Freeport.

Following a July ribbon-cutting attended by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales, the recreation center officially opened its doors in August. During the ribbon cutting, speakers highlighted the contributions of Freeport, which calls the area home to its Chino and Tyrone mines.

“From the beginning, New Mexico Operations has supported this project,” said Sharon Offutt, Social Performance Manager-New Mexico Operations. “We provided funding at a critical time early in its development to ensure it could move forward, and we’re proud to see the doors open.”

The new recreation center’s main attraction is a large indoor court capable of being used for a variety of sports, including multiple games of pickleball, volleyball and basketball within the same footprint. The court perimeter features a three-lane track. Outside, the facility features a small children’s playground.

Located in the vicinity of an outdoor sports park and a community pool, the recreation center also is designed to present an indoor alternative and offers several amenities that should be appealing to students from nearby schools.

Those amenities include a gaming lounge with ping pong, air hockey, billiards, as well as a mirrored fitness room. The recreation center also has a number of convertible multi-use spaces that can be rented out for special events, including parties, conferences and workshops.

“This is another example of our belief that meaningful spaces can create meaningful change,” Offutt said. “We know that communities thrive when they have opportunities to come together and foster connection, and we have decades of community investment to back that up. The Henry V. ‘La Burra’ Morales Recreation Center is a continuation of Freeport’s legacy of commitment to Grant County’s future.”

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