Rules and Regulations

Since its renovation, Tingley Beach is again a favorite destination for Albuquerque residents seeking relaxation, fun, peace, and sunshine.

Help keep Tingley Beach a welcoming place for everyone and observe the beach rules.

General Rules

• Tingley Beach is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are available.
• No smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed.
• No wading or swimming in the ponds. No rafts or boats allowed (other than rental pedal boats or model boats in designated areas).
• No fireworks.
• No glass containers, weapons, inflatable jumpers, hot-air balloons, or remote control airplanes.
• Dogs must be leashed. Please dispose of your dog's waste.
• Park in marked areas. Do not block other vehicles.
• Don't harass or capture wildlife.
• Tent stakes and similar items aren't allowed due to underground irrigation pipes. Instead, please use stakeless shades, such as umbrellas and pop-up shelters.
• Outside catering and vendors serving or selling food or souvenirs to the public is prohibited.
• Bread is bad for ducks. If you decide to feed the waterfowl, please use bird-healthy foods, which can be found on this page.

Fishing Rules

• You are responsible for knowing and understanding New Mexico fishing rules.
• Bag limit for trout is four fish per day. Bag limit for catfish is two fish per day.
• Live bait fish may NOT be used or released into the lakes. This includes — but is not restricted to — minnows, tadpoles and goldfish.
• Chumming is prohibited.
• Pole fishing only — no trotlines. A Second Rod Validation may be purchased with your fishing license, but bag limits remain the same.
• Take your catch home to clean it.
• The fishing year is April 1 to March 31.
• All anglers 12 years old and older must have a current fishing license in their possession.
• Licenses are not available for purchase at Tingley at this time. You can learn more or purchase a New Mexico fishing license here.

Each pond at Tingley Beach also has its own specific rules and regulations. Please go to the individual pond page to learn more.

Bob Gerding Catch and Release Pond

Central Pond

Children's Pond

Events at Tingley Beach

Tingley Beach is a public park and open to everyone, everyday. Tingley Beach is available for public use during the posted park hours of Sunrise to Sunset.

Tingley Beach and its facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the public is not required to obtain a permit for passive use of the park. Every event over 50 people requires a Tingley Beach permit. Some events also require a City of Albuquerque Special Event permit. Please review the City of Albuquerque Special Event Permitting criteria to determine if your event requires a permit.

Tingley Beach Permits are required for the following: 

• Groups and/or events of 50 persons or more.
• Events that exceed available on-site parking and/or create significant impacts on adjacent communities and amenities.
• Events that use Tingley Beach or a substantial portion of the park for 2 hours or more.
• Events with tents, canopies, stands, or stages (ground stakes prohibited – blocks, sandbags, and water barrels only).
• Live music, bands, or amplifications systems.
• Events advertised to the general public via social, print, and/or broadcast media.
• Events involving street barricading.
• Events with portable restrooms.
• Organized group recreations (e.g. competitions, tournaments, marathons, etc.).
• Organized group activities (e.g. classes, trainings, workshops, etc.) that are not organized by ABQ BioPark.

If none of these conditions apply, a Tingley Beach Permit is not required for normal park visitation by individuals or in small groups, for non-specific events/activities, or “passive” use of the park that does not use/occupy park facilities in a manner that would displace others from use the park and its amenities.

Important Information

Approval of a Tingley Beach Permit will not grant or ensure exclusive use of Tingley Beach, its facilities and/or amenities, unless specified. More than one permit may be approved for Tingley Beach on the same day or time period if the permitted activities can reasonably take place concurrently without substantial disruption. BioPark Events staff reserve the decision-making authority to determine whether a proposed event or activity will unreasonably conflict with another permitted activity or park use. An approved permit represents an authorization for an event/activity that may require such approval, not an authorization for exclusive use of Tingley Beach, which is open to the general public during posted hours.

Tingley Beach Permits are required for most events with City Special Event permits. Exceptions include races that use Tingley Drive but not Tingley Beach park property. A copy of the Special Event permit must be submitted to BioPark Events staff a minimum of 30 days prior to the event.
 
Additional requirements and permit application link for events at Tingley Beach.