Final Phase of Joan Jones Community Center Completed
Expansion Brings Much-Needed Resources to Historic Atrisco Hills Neighborhood
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, elected officials and community members gathered to celebrate completion of the final phase of the Joan Jones Community Center. The expansion brings vital resources to the heart of the Atrisco neighborhood, including a fitness room, mini-gymnasium, and additional meeting space.
The initial renovation opened in 2015, providing essential services to the youth and families of Atrisco Hills. With this final phase, the center now fully delivers on its promise to be a space where the community can gather, grow, and thrive.
"This project was severely impacted by rising costs of materials and the ongoing labor shortage," said Mayor Tim Keller. "But we stayed committed. We’ve been fighting to get projects like this done because people deserve high-quality, accessible spaces they can enjoy together.”
The expansion is part of the City’s broader investment in public infrastructure, including the recently opened Santa Barbara Martineztown Multigenerational Center and the Jack Candelaria Community and Boxing Center.
“Every neighborhood needs beautiful, functional spaces for all ages,” said Director of Youth and Family Services Jess Martinez. “We’re eager to see residents enjoy this spot.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of the Joan Jones Community Center's Phase II,” said District 2 City Councilor Joaquín Baca. “This long-awaited expansion provides community space for families to connect and socialize, and honors Joan Jones' legacy. It adds capacity, programming, and amenities to enrich our community.”
The center is named in honor of the late Joan Jones, a community advocate who served as president of the Pat Hurley Neighborhood Association for over 20 years. Though she passed before the facility was built, then-City Councilor Ken Sanchez shared the plans with her so she could see the future vision for her beloved community.
The completed Joan Jones Community Center now stands as a lasting tribute to her legacy — and a valuable resource for generations to come.