City Councilor Dan Lewis Introduces Emergency Resolution to Restore Albuquerque’s Deteriorating Neighborhood Parks

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis announced today the introduction of an Emergency Parks Grass and Turf Replacement Resolution to address the growing decline of neighborhood parks across the city.

“Our parks are dying, and families are paying the price,” said Lewis. “We were told the Parks budget was more than adequate—it clearly wasn’t. I won’t sit by while our neighborhood parks turn into dirt fields and weeds. We’re taking action now to protect taxpayers, protect our parks, and restore pride in our city.”

The Problem

• Turf grass across Albuquerque is dead or dying, with weeds overrunning fields and open spaces.
• Parks are the “front yards” of neighborhoods. Without healthy turf, they lose value as safe, usable spaces for families, children, and seniors.
• If no action is taken now, costs will multiply. Instead of targeted replacements, entire parks may need full replanting, forcing closures for a year or more.
• During May 1, 2025 budget hearings, the Administration testified that Parks was adequately funded despite re nearlyquesting $1 million less than FY25. Current park conditions prove otherwise.
• This is not just about dead grass—it is about credibility, accountability, and restoring trust with the public.

The Resolution

• Establishes an emergency Parks grass and turf replacement project.
• Commits no less than $2 million from fund balance for immediate work.
• Requires the Administration to produce a detailed plan identifying priority parks, budgets, and timelines.
• Mandates monthly reporting back to the Council through Executive Communication.

Why Now

• Turf cannot be replanted in the middle of summer. Immediate action ensures planting is done in the proper season for long-term success.
• Every delay increases the backlog, drives up costs, and risks more parks becoming unusable.
• Acting now protects taxpayers from larger, more expensive interventions later.
• Restores Albuquerque’s green spaces, neighborhood pride, and improves the appearance of our most visible public assets.
• Sends a message that the Council will step in where the Administration has failed to act.

“In this year’s budget the Mayor requested a million dollars less than last year to maintain neighborhood city parks,” Lewis added. “During budget meetings in May of this year I asked the administration if the Parks Department has everything it needs to be able to ensure they have enough personnel and resources to maintain the best quality service to our parks.  The administration said they were fully funded.  That was clearly not the case.  Now we are stepping in to protect Albuquerque’s green spaces, protect taxpayers, and protect our neighborhoods. It’s time to restore our parks for the families, children, and seniors who depend on them.”

City Councilor Dan Lewis represents District 5, the Northwest part of Albuquerque. He was elected to City Council in November 2021. Councilor Lewis served two previous terms on the City Council from 2009 to 2017.