ALBUQUERQUE – Today, Mayor Tim Keller, City Councilors Joaquin Baca and Louie Sanchez, and members of the community celebrated the start of construction on Phase Two of the Joan Jones Community Center. This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing focus on creating safe "third places" for families. A third place is defined as a space outside of home and work where people can connect with their community and socialize.
“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 a home away from home for folks of all ages to help spend time with their friends and create safer neighborhoods.”
The city continues to ensure that community resources are accessible to 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 provide critical resources for people of all ages, offering programming for out-of-school time, gyms, meals, sports activities, and other ways to connect with neighbors.
The Joan Jones Community Center is located in Atrisco's historic neighborhood. Previously known as the Pat Hurley Community Center consisting of two run-down portables, it has now expanded to include a fitness room, mini-gymnasium, and additional meeting space—amenities requested by the growing community. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19 and rising construction costs that delayed the project timeline, construction is expected to be completed within two years by FacilityBUILD.
“Joan Jones’ tenacity for this community was unbelievable," said City Councilor Louie Sanchez. "This project wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her and the late District 1 Councilor Ken 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 this work speaks to the collaboration happening to get things done for our communities,” said 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,” said Director Kata Sandoval. “We are eager to get this project completed for them as we continue working on bringing services across Albuquerque.”
The late Joan Jones was a prominent community advocate who served as President of the Pat Hurley Neighborhood Association for over 20 years. Although she did not live to see the new facility's completion, late City Councilor Ken Sanchez shared plans with her so she would know what was coming for her beloved community.
