APD and Open Space Division Launch Education and Enforcement Campaign

The City of Albuquerque’s Open Space Division is teaming up with the Albuquerque Police Department to help educate users of Open Space during the public health emergency. Starting this Saturday, Open Space staff and volunteers will be stationed at trailheads around the City to ensure visitors are following gathering and social distancing guidelines. Open Space staff and APD Open Space Unit officers will also be enforcing parking rules on streets adjacent to trailheads.

“Open Space areas have been quite busy the past few weeks,” stated Dave Simon, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We need everyone’s help to follow the rules so we can keep Open Space open.”

The Open Space Division is taking a proactive approach to educating visitors of the applicable public health orders issued by the New Mexico Department of Health in order to keep the City’s trails open for the duration of the public health emergency. Public education signs have been posted for over two weeks, but beginning Saturday, April 11, Open Space staff and volunteers will be at some of the City’s busiest trailheads, including those in the Sandia foothills and around the Bosque to remind people about the social distancing and group size instructions. In addition, starting on Friday, April 10, Open Space staff be warning visitors about illegally parked vehicles and APD officers will be patrolling these areas. Illegally parked vehicles may be cited or towed.

Last week, Mayor Keller was joined by the City’s Open Space Superintendent and representatives of other public lands agencies in Central New Mexico to urge people to use the trails safely and responsibly. Mayor Keller also encouraged people to visit other lesser known city, county, and federal public lands. Everyone recreating outdoors is reminded to practice proper trail etiquette, including packing out trash, picking up pet waste, and staying on designated trails.

Open Space trail users are also encouraged to remember general trail safety tips, like knowing where they are going, letting others know of their plans, and bringing a map, water, sunscreen and snack with them on any hike.

For more information on all of the City’s Open Space properties and trails, including downloadable trail maps, visit www.cabq.gov/openspace.