The Hometown Heroes Park is a community driven initiative in downtown Tucumcari that honors local heroes while providing a welcoming space.

The project has an estimated cost of $25,000 and has been partially funded by a grant of $12,000 from Union Pacific Railroad. Design assistance is being provided by New Mexico MainStreet and Anthropopulus.

The park will be designed to reflect Tucumcari’s unique character and history. The project will enhance the downtown area and celebrate the community’s pride in its hometown heroes.

In August 2025, Tucumcari MainStreet hosted the dedication ceremony for the first honoree of the new Hometown Heroes Park: Alice Faye Kent Hoppes, a native of Tucumcari and trailblazing New Mexico civil-rights activist. See event photos below.

  • Haroldie Kent Spriggs contributed her family stories of growing up in Tucumcari in “African American Segregation in New Mexico”, historical research and personal narratives prepared by J. Fulton. These stories from individuals provide a closer, very personal look at segregation in several towns within New Mexico, including Tucumcari.

A Tribute to Alice Faye Kent Hoppes in Tucumcari

  • Family of Alice Faye Kent Hoppes

  • Haroldie Kent Spriggs, Alice's sister, moves the audience with her stories.

  • Haroldie talks of growing up in Tucumcari with Alice Faye.

  • Frances Kent, Alice's sister, shares her family stories.

  • A great crowd gathers to honor Alice Faye Kent Hoppes.