Albuquerque’s Parks and Recreation Department is lobbying for millions of dollars to upgrade more than 3,000 acres of aging infrastructure throughout a city with nearly 300 parks.
“We want to make sure that we have our facilities elevated to a level of high value and that return is going to be of interest to our city to come and visit and extend their stay,” Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, David Flores, told KRQE.
If approved by New Mexico lawmakers, the funding will pave the way for needed upgrades across nearly three dozen parks and help boost the appeal of Albuquerque’s public spaces, for locals and visitors, according to the department.
“Without those dollars, you are not able to address those issues of aging infrastructure and aging amenities and you’ll fall behind,” Flores said.
An estimated $20 million is needed to restore and upgrade Coronado Park, once the site of the city’s most notorious homeless camp, KRQE reported.
“It might look like it’s coming back, but it would take a long way to get it to what it was,” Flores said.
Flores said the city also needs $1.5 million to overhaul Phil Chacon Park, which also has a history of homeless issues. Parks and Recreation announced in December it was closing the park to renovate the playground and basketball courts. It also plans to add a dog park and softball field. The project is expected to cost about $6 million, with a plan to reopen late next year, according to KRQE.
The funds will be used to create new, safer playgrounds, add paths to encourage walking throughout the park, additional lighting, a dog park, and another bike facility, Flores said.
The city also wants funding for maintenance at Barelas Park, as well as improvements at Bullhead Park. Another million dollars is being sought to upgrade the Native American burial site at 4-H Park.
Also, on the list is $1.5 million for the second phase at Los Altos Park, which has a total project cost of $28 million. Balloon Fiesta Park has a $15 million request for electrical upgrades, parking, and additional amenities along vendors’ row.
