New Crestview Bluff Park Project Moves Albuquerque Forward

ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department, Mayor Tim Keller, and Councilor Klarissa Peña announced the Crestview Park Project, a new public park designed to provide safe, accessible, and engaging recreation space for Southwest Albuquerque. The project helps close one of the city’s largest remaining park access gaps and reflects years of community advocacy, planning, and the City’s continued work to deliver on Mayor Keller’s commitment to expand park access.

Community discussions about bringing a park to the Crestview neighborhood began in 2017, as residents advocated for a safe recreation space in their area. While early efforts to purchase property on Crestview Bluff stalled, the City remained committed to finding a solution. In 2023, the City secured a 1.1-acre site at Gonzales and Old Coors, allowing the project to move forward. Planning and design began in early 2025, followed by a public meeting in October 2025 where neighbors reviewed the preferred concept and shared overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The 1.1-acre park is designed as a vibrant, family-oriented community space anchored by a large, all-ages playground. Additional planned features include a dedicated “tot lot,” wide pedestrian pathways, a small bike pump track, a combined full-size basketball and futsal court, versatile lawn space, picnic and gathering areas, and a dining/community plaza with decorative lighting and room for food trucks. Comprehensive lighting throughout the park will contribute to a safe and welcoming environment for all ages.

“Crestview Park is for the families, children, and neighbors who have waited a long time for a place like this,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’ve worked hard to keep our promises to this community, and this draft plan reflects their ideas as we build the park Crestview deserves.”

"Today marks a wonderful milestone for the families of Southwest Albuquerque,” stated Albuquerque City Council Vice President Klarissa J. Peña, Council District 3. “Crestview Bluffs Park will be a cornerstone for our community and a place for neighbors to connect. I am particularly proud that this park is a great example of 10-Minute Walk, allowing residents in this area to enjoy high-quality recreation just steps from home.”

The 10-Minute Walk initiative is a national program promoting equitable access to parks, trails, and open space within a 10-minute walk (0.5 mile) of all people. While more than 90% of Albuquerque residents already meet this standard, Crestview has long represented one of the city’s largest gaps. With the acquisition and development of the new Crestview Bluff Park, the City’s “10-Minute Walk” access score will move from 90.8% to 91.3%--a significant 0.5% improvement--helping close one of Albuquerque’s largest remaining gaps in park access.  With the new park, nearly 3,000 more people will live within a 10-minute walk of a park.  By advancing the Crestview Park Project, the City continues making progress on Mayor Keller’s pledge to expand access and bring Albuquerque closer to meeting this goal citywide.

Although the preferred concept was shared today, the City emphasized that the plan is still being refined. Residents are encouraged to continue offering input to ensure the final design aligns with neighborhood priorities. The draft plan is available on the City website at www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation, and comments can be submitted to Cheryl Somerfeldt, [email protected].

The project is currently funded with $1.5 million in 2025 general obligation bonds, a $100,000 state grant, and nearly $2 million in councilor set-aside funds. Final construction costs will depend on the completed design.