Mayor Tim Keller, along with the Department of Municipal Development (DMD), the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD), and community leaders, made an announcement on July 20, 2023, regarding the substantial completion of Phase 1 renovation of Los Altos Park and the soft reopening of the softball field complex. With the completion of five softball fields, Albuquerque is now capable of hosting larger regional tournaments according to a press release by The City of Albuquerque.
"The promise of Albuquerque is in full swing at Los Altos, and our investments into improving our parks and facilities are helping to create ideal spaces for local and visiting families," said Keller.
Keller, the DMD, the PRD and community leaders, unveiled the completion of Phase 1 renovations at Los Altos Park. The project includes a complete redesign of the softball fields, parking areas and pedestrian access, resulting in five regulation-sized softball fields with fences at 300 feet, convertible to a girls' softball configuration with fences at 200 feet. Additionally, the upgrades feature a community building, bathrooms, a concession stand, spectator bleacher seating, LED lighting, a new irrigation system, new fencing and backstops, improved pedestrian and vehicle access, a centralized pedestrian promenade connecting east and west sections of the softball complex, along with 240 new trees, a water fountain and perimeter fencing, according to the news release from The City of Albuquerque.
According to the release, Keller said, “Los Altos Park is a generational staple, and the new renovations not only make it safer, but they ensure the park will continue to be a vital connection point for future generations.”
Three of the five fields have already established playable grass turf, while the other two fields require more time to develop strong roots and become suitable for regular play. The Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) has scheduled City recreational softball games and tournaments for August and Fall League softball will take place from mid-September through October. After a period of rest during winter, PRD expects a full return to play at Los Altos in March 2024, with the resumption of the spring and summer seasons according to the release.
Many community leaders had glowing reviews of the project.
“This is another successful collaboration between the City and the Community. Municipal Development is always proud to partner with other City Departments to build world class projects that will be enjoyed by future generations of Burquenos,” DMD Director Pat Montoya said in the release.
“This is going to be such a great community gathering spot,” said City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. "We are so grateful to everyone who had a hand in putting this wonderful project together. In particular, we appreciate the hard work of former Councilor Diane Gibson, whose vision is being realized tonight.”
“This project is for the players and the community” Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon said. “But thank you to the All-Star Team—Mayor Keller, the City Council, and state legislators—who made it happen.”