The first phase of the renovation of Barelas Park, in the planning for six years and supported by Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, is finally ready for residents to enjoy.
“We’ve got one of the city’s coolest playgrounds here in Barelas,” Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon told KRQE. “We have a brand new multi-use court with beautiful art on the court. We planted over 120 trees in this park – refreshed all the grass.”
Simon said the actual renovation started in February 2021 and cost $1.6 million. The project was impacted by the pandemic and rising costs for materials. That prompted the city to split the project into two phases. The first phase is completed and meeting with approval from those who have utilized the renovated park.
Shauna Snyder told KRQE that she visited the park after a friend told her about the new basketball court. “I was very surprised at how nice the park was as far as the basketball court was,” she said. “I’m always looking for a park that has really nice basketball courts, so this was a great surprise, to be honest.”
Simon said the second phase will consist of more features families can enjoy. It will cost between $700,000 and $800,000 and won’t begin until the city has sufficient funding from the state, including a proposed general obligation bond package that will go before city voters in November.
“So phase two is going to bring some super additional elements to Barelas Park, including three new pickleball courts, outside exercise equipment for our seniors, and wonderful family community amenities for the park,” Simon said. The city is continuing to improve the west parking lot, a project that will cost $200,000. There is no time frame for when phase two will start.
The 3.5-acre park is located between the Barelas Community Center and Barelas Senior Center on 8th Street SW in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.
