ALBUQUERQUE – Today, Mayor Tim Keller, City Councilors Joaquin Baca and Louie Sanchez, and members of the community gathered to mark the commencement of Phase Two construction at the Joan Jones Community Center. This initiative is part of Albuquerque's ongoing effort to create "third places" for families—spaces outside of home and work where people can connect with their community.
“The City is creating places for families to connect with their neighbors and get the services they need, whether it’s a meal, access to a gym, or an after-school program,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These places are more than just community centers; they can be the home away from home for folks of all ages to help spend time with their friends and create safer neighborhoods.”
The city has been working on ensuring accessible community resources for all Albuquerque families. Recent developments include the opening of the Santa Barbara Martineztown Multigenerational Center and ongoing projects like the Jack Candelaria Boxing Gym and Community Center and Cibola Loop Multigenerational Center. These centers offer critical resources such as out-of-school programming, gyms, meals, sports activities, and other opportunities for social connection.
Located in Atrisco's historic neighborhood, the Joan Jones Community Center replaces two run-down portables previously known as the Pat Hurley Community Center. The new center will expand to include a fitness room, mini-gymnasium, and additional meeting space—amenities that have been long requested by the growing community. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19 and rising construction costs, completion is expected within two years by FacilityBUILD.
“Joan Jones’ tenacity for this community was unbelievable, and this project wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her and the late District 1 Councilor Ken Sanchez,” said City Councilor Louie Sanchez. “I’m so happy that we’re not done here, and we can’t wait for the next phase of this space to be open for all of us to use.”
“All of this work speaks to the collaboration that’s happening to get things done for our communities,” added District 2 Councilor Joaquin Baca. “I’m grateful to be working together with so many colleagues and partners to bring projects like this to the finish line.”
“This neighborhood needs beautiful spaces for youth and community members to utilize,” stated Director Kata Sandoval. “We are eager to get this project completed for them to enjoy as we continue bringing services across Albuquerque.”
Joan Jones was a prominent advocate who served as President of the Pat Hurley Neighborhood Association for over 20 years. Although she did not live to see its completion, plans were shared with her by late City Councilor Ken Sanchez.
