City of Albuquerque’s Youth and Family Services Department Wins Big

ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque’s Youth and Family Services Department won multiple prestigious awards at the 2025 New Mexico Recreation & Parks Association (NMRPA) annual conference, celebrating outstanding contributions to community recreation, inclusion, and youth services statewide.

Among the honors were:

Facility Design Award – Jack Candelaria Community Center

Special Event of the Year Award – Cruzin’ Into the School Year

Ed Chismar Outstanding Young Professional Award – Inclusive Recreation Manager, Olyvia Lee

These awards reflect the City’s ongoing investment in innovative, community-driven programming and infrastructure that promote equity, inclusion, and wellness for all Albuquerque residents.

Transforming Community Spaces: Jack Candelaria Community Center

The Jack Candelaria Community Center received the Facility Design Award in recognition of its transformative renovations, which have redefined the center as a modern, welcoming community hub. Upgrades include a state-of-the-art boxing ring with event ready space, brand new fitness equipment, a multipurpose room, and a fully equipped computer lab — offering residents of all ages access to physical fitness, education, and digital literacy resources.

Supporting Students With Purpose: Cruzin’ Into the School Year

The Department’s Cruzin’ Into the School Year event earned the Special Event Program of the Year Award for its wide-reaching focus on educational readiness and family support. Held at two community centers, the event distributed nearly 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, more than 2,000 books, 500 haircut vouchers, and over $30,000 in shoe vouchers and prizes. Dozens of local organizations participated, connecting families with essential resources and support services.

Championing Inclusion: Olyvia Lee Named Outstanding Young Professional

Inclusive Recreation Manager Olyvia Lee was honored with the Ed Chismar Outstanding Young Professional Award, recognizing her visionary leadership and commitment to accessibility. With more than a decade of experience, Olyvia has launched multiple initiatives that center equity and inclusion — including reopening the Loma Linda Community Center, creating an inclusive swimming program, and founding the Inclusion Ambassador Program to train teen employees in respectful practices.

The recognition from NMRPA underscores the City’s commitment to providing accessible, innovative spaces and programs for all residents.

“These awards highlight the hard work and heart our team brings every day,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Whether it's equipping kids for school, modernizing community centers, or making recreation truly inclusive, we’re taking care of all our neighbors.”

For more information, visit cabq.gov/family.