The Albuquerque City Council passed an amendment adding $2 million to the Capital Improvement Plan Budget for an education center in Tijeras Arroyo BioZone.
Spearheaded by Councilor Renee Grout, the additional funding will be used to either refurbish or rebuild the education center located at 15600 Central Avenue. According to KRQE, the venue will serve as an education center for CABQ Open Space Programs, Bernalillo County Open Space, the Sandia National Wilderness, and the Tijeras Creek Cultural Corridor.
“Tijeras Arroyo is a jewel in the East Gateway,” Grout said, per KRQE. “This education center will be a place where visitors, families, school groups, and scout troops can gather, learn more about the plants and animals that are native to our area, then get out and experience the natural beauty of our Open Spaces.”
Approval for the new funding ends plans to build a visitor’s center in the Elena Gallegos Open Space. The city, which will complete Open Space Land purchases in the BioZone, is working on using a trail system to connect the proposed center with the Singing Arrow Community Center.
The city issued a reminder on its website that while Open Space trails are a great asset, residents should help take care of the resource by picking up after their pets; gathering their personal trash, avoiding disturbing plants and wildlife, being courteous to other trail users, and don’t remove any “artifacts, rocks, or other things,” that belong to Open Space.
Trail users are also reminded to adhere to general trail safety tips such as knowing your location, communicating plans with others, always carrying a map, water, sunscreen, and snacks, and knowing the park's hours of operation. Open Spaces are located at the Tijeras Arroyo, Juan Tomas, San Antonito, Calabacillas Arroyo, Manzano, and Quail Rancho. The City also manages Open Space in Sandoval County and the East Mountains, including Golden Open Space and the John A. Milne & Gutierrez Canyon."