On July 13, 2023, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) unveiled plans to increase the number of dog parks in the city. With the goal of doubling the current count, this initiative aims to provide more recreational spaces for dogs and their owners, according to a press release by the City of Albuquerque.
"Our plan to increase dog parks will get tails wagging all over Albuquerque," Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon said in the release.
Recognized as a dog-friendly city, Albuquerque has already earned a ranking as the 11th-best city in the nation for dog parks. Currently boasting 14 standard dog parks, the PRD aims to double this number by adding seven new standard dog parks and at least 11 innovative mini-dog parks within the next two years, according to the release. This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility and availability of dog parks throughout the city, further cementing Albuquerque's reputation as a welcoming destination for dogs and their owners, according to a press release by The City of Albuquerque.
“Albuquerque is a dog-friendly city, and expanding our dog parks means even more safe, fun connection points to keep our families engaged and enjoying our beautiful city,” Keller said in the release. “Our highly-ranked dog parks provide equitable access to memory-making, quality space for families and their beloved pets.”
Albuquerque's standard dog parks, ranging in size from 0.5 to 2.0 acres, offer a comprehensive set of amenities, including shade, lighting and water facilities. In addition to expanding the number of standard dog parks, the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) plans to introduce a novel concept of "mini" dog parks. These smaller-scale parks will utilize vacant or underutilized areas within existing parks and city-owned lands, ensuring the creation of dog parks does not compromise the availability of vital green spaces. The development of both standard and mini dog parks is currently progressing at various stages, according to the press release by The City of Albuquerque.
All dog park projects announced are expected to undergo construction in 2023 and early 2024, according to the release. PRD will be on the lookout for other potential sites for future dog park locations. The dog park expansion is funded by $2 million set aside in the city's Fiscal Year 2023 budget, though in some cases, city funds and state funds have been combined to complete the larger renovation projects, according to the release.