Groundbreaking for Wells Park a 'gift for the holidays'

Alaina Mencinger, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read

Dec. 22—Trona, a friendly black mutt, will be happy to see a new dog park in Wells Park.

That's what her owner, Joel Miner, a resident of the neighborhood just north of Downtown, says. Right now, he has to drive to Tiguex Park or Tingley Beach for his rescue to see grass.

Currently, Wells Park doesn't have any grass. But by 2025, the park should be covered in green as part of a $7.7 million renovation of the lot, which will include a new dog park, multi-sport courts and food truck plaza.

The park will be doubled in size, to cover five acres. The park is walking distance from the Johnny Tapia Community Center, which will continue its programming during the park's construction period at other nearby community centers.

The city bought the lot at 591 Mountain NW in 2020 for $1.1 million — a sum that included a $25,000 contribution from the Wells Park Neighborhood Association, which has been pushing for a new park in the area for decades.

Martha Heard, a board member on the association, said at a news conference Friday that when the nearby McClellan Park was given up to Downtown court facilities, the neighborhood was promised a new park.

And now, it's finally happening. On Friday, the city of Albuquerque kicked off the renovation groundbreaking with a ceremonial soccer goal. City officials, Wells Park residents and roller derby skaters joined to take a shot on goal.

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said the project almost fell through several times, due to a lack of funds and bidders. But ultimately, between American Rescue Plan Act money, state capital outlay and appropriations from the City Council, the renovation is now fully funded.

"Thank you to the neighbors for not giving up," Keller said at the news conference.

Construction is expected to last between 12 and 18 months. Compass Engineering is the project contractor.

"I'm so happy about this milestone," city Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon said. "It's just perfect at this time of year to be celebrating a gift for the holidays."