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City Celebrates Improvements to Wilson Park and Pool

$1.5 million-dollar investment for park, playground equipment and splash pad welcomes community back

Today, Mayor Tim Keller was joined by City and community leaders to celebrate the completion of major improvement projects at Wilson Park and Pool in southeast Albuquerque. The Parks and Recreation

Department announced the project late last year, which brought more than $1.5 million in upgrades and amenities to the International District park.

“There’s no better way to welcome our first summer back out than with this great space for the community to enjoy. This is a major investment in the heart of the International District, providing better access to safe green spaces, youth recreation – and of course –­ a new splash pad right in time for the summer heat,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Improving the recreational offerings and the safety of Wilson Park has been a community priority, and I’m grateful for all of the neighbors who worked with our departments to get it done.”   

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Wilson park is a 3.6-acre park in the South San Pedro neighborhood, adjacent to the City’s Wilson Pool, and Albuquerque Public School’s Wilson Middle School. Upgrades include the installation of a new splash pad, shade structures and tables at the pool, and playground equipment in the park.

Other updates include:

  • Installation of sidewalks, picnic tables and benches
  • Improvements to the large grass field used for sports and recreation activities
  • New lighting and fencing to improve safety and security
  • Renovation to the park’s irrigation infrastructure that improves care of grass, trees and landscaping
  • Installation of a community information kiosk and neighborhood sign

“It’s not every day that we get to put more than $1 million dollars towards re-energizing a park,” said Director of Parks and Recreation, Dave Simon. “We can’t wait to see this park become a hub for the entire community.”

The tennis courts at Wilson Park were also officially renamed today in honor of local tennis coach and champion of youth tennis throughout Albuquerque, Becky Lee, who passed away last summer. With approval from the APS School Board, the courts will now be known as the Becky Lee Memorial Tennis Courts. As part of the renovation, the southern tennis courts received resurfacing, and the City will identify additional funding to resurface the second half of the tennis courts and add lighting. All of the courts received new nets, and freshly painted net posts.

The project was funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), administered by the City’s Family and Community Services department. The goal of CDBG is to provide funds for state and local governments to address economic development and affordable housing needs in underserved communities. This grant provided $1,538,308.90 in funding, and City Council supported the design of the project with $68,244.