Albuquerque City Council Approves $2 Million for Parks Turf & Grass Restoration
Emergency Parks Grass and Turf Replacement resolution addresses the decline of neighborhood parks across the City since Mayor Tim Keller reduced the parks budget by approximately $1 million for 2025-2026.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — December 1, 2025 — Tonight, the Albuquerque City Council approved R-25-183, sponsored by City Councilor Dan Lewis, District 5, establishing a minimum of $2 million in emergency funding for the restoration of dying turf grass in City parks.
The resolution was a direct response to the widespread deterioration of green spaces across Albuquerque, including large swaths of dead grass and areas overrun with weeds such as silverleaf nightshade, spurge, and puncture vines. This targeted investment aims to address a growing backlog of maintenance needs and protect City parks as essential public assets.
"Our parks are vital community spaces, and their ongoing decline is unacceptable," said Councilor Lewis. "This resolution provides a dedicated and transparent funding source to urgently address the deteriorating conditions. The administration failed to protect Albuquerque’s green spaces, protect taxpayers, and protect our neighborhoods. It’s time we restore our parks for the families, children, and seniors who depend on them before more costly and disruptive total replacements become necessary, ensuring our residents can continue to enjoy high-quality green spaces."
The $2 million, appropriated from the Fiscal Year 2025 fund balance, is intended to support an emergency project focused on the renovation, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of existing park grass and turf areas.