Families Make a Splash at Wilson Park for Summer of Nonviolence Pool Party

ALBUQUERQUE — Families from across the city, and state, gathered at Wilson Park and Pool for an afternoon filled with fun, connection, and community healing during the Family Fun Pool Party, a Summer of Nonviolence event.

The event offered free pool admission, swimsuits for children in need provided by Joy Junction, food trucks, lawn games, and a live DJ—creating a safe and joyful space to celebrate peace, inclusion, and summer fun. 

“Events like this show the heart of our city, families coming together, kids enjoying themselves, and neighborhoods building lasting connections,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “When we invest in moments of joy and community, we’re helping Albuquerque grow stronger and more united.”

Sponsored by Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), Bernalillo County, City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation, Bernalillo County Parks & Recreation, Bernalillo County Commission Vice Chair Adriann Barboa (D3), and City Councilor Nichole Rogers, the event highlighted the power of collaboration in violence prevention.
  
Photo 3: A youth takes a trip down the waterslide.
  Photo 4: Several families taking a dip during the warm Saturday weather.

Some families in need took advantage of the Summer of Nonviolence survey questionnaires to request assistance from Albuquerque Community Safety. The department worked to connect them to local providers and scheduled follow ups, ensuring they receive the proper care.

“Community is the foundation of safety,” said ACS Community Outreach Manager, Jeffery Bustamante. “When we offer young people and families chances to connect in meaningful, joyful ways, we’re not just preventing violence, we’re building a better future.”

“Seeing so many families cooling off, laughing, and playing reminds us why this work matters,” said Bernalillo County Commission Vice Chair Adriann Barboa (D3). “We are investing in healing, joy, and safety, especially in parts of our city that have historically been overlooked.”

“It was a beautiful day in District 6!” said Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers. “I love creating spaces where our youth and families can come together in safety, joy, and connection and one thing is for sure; we need to create more of these opportunities for our youth.”

The Family Fun Pool Party was part of a broader Summer of Nonviolence initiative that continues through the season, offering youth and families free events that uplift community, foster unity, and promote nonviolence. The initiative empowers young people to take the Summer of Nonviolence pledge of peace and stay engaged in activities that build trust and belonging. 

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About Albuquerque Community Safety
Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies. 
About Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.