City of Albuquerque Announces Opening of San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs Open Space
Former 69-home development site preserved as public open space protecting rare wetlands, wildlife habitat, and scenic views
ALBUQUERQUE — The City of Albuquerque announced today the completion of Phase 1 development and the opening of the San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs Open Space, on the city’s west side, which preserves one of the last remaining undeveloped areas along the Rio Grande Bosque.
The City acquired 23 acres, known as the Poole property, in March 2021 for $6.7 million. The property was previously slated for a 69-home subdivision. Protecting the Poole property, as it was then know, adjacent to 59 acres of existing Open Space, ensures that this environmentally significant landscape will remain accessible and preserved for generations to come. Its preservation was made possible through a grassroots community effort and a collaborative funding partnership between the State of New Mexico, the City of Albuquerque, and Bernalillo County.
“This is a place people in this community fought to protect, and now it’s a place every family can come experience and enjoy along the Rio Grande,” said Mayor Tim Keller.
The San Antonio Oxbow is the only wetlands connected to the Rio Grande in a 40-mile stretch of the river, providing critical habitat for wildlife. The sandy bluff above the wetlands creates an important buffer, adds to the diversity of wildlife habitat, and offers the public stunning views and access to this unique area. More than 179 bird species have been documented in the area. This project reflects the community’s commitment to conservation, public access, and thoughtful stewardship of our natural resources.
“For years, our community fought to protect the city’s last remaining wetlands from overdevelopment. Today, because of the way our neighbors came together, we are not only preserving the natural beauty that makes our city such a special place to live, we’re creating new opportunities for our families to connect with nature and enjoy time outside.” said State Representative Yanira Gurrola.
“Having spaces like this that are accessible by design and not just accommodation so that everyone can really enjoy this is so important,” said District 1 Councilor Stephanie W. Telles. “The role that nature and open space has in healing makes such a difference for our community.”
After acquiring the property, the Open Space Division conducted an extensive public planning process, including community meetings, site visits, and landscape design. The site plan was approved by the Environmental Planning Commission in October 2023.
Construction of Phase 1 began in mid-2025 and is now complete, bringing new opportunities for the public to experience this unique natural area. Phase 1 offers a welcoming outdoor space designed for both recreation and learning. Visitors can enjoy a natural walking trail loop, including an ADA-accessible trail that provides inclusive access to the landscape. The site features an outdoor classroom and pavilion for educational programming and gatherings, along with benches and picnic tables. Educational signs are placed throughout the area, taking advantage of beautiful views of the Rio Grande and the Oxbow marsh and highlighting the site’s unique ecological setting. Funding for Phase 1 improvements came from $1 million in City General Obligation Bonds and $125,000 in State Capital Outlay funds.
“Phase 1 improvements are complete, but now the San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs enters its most important phase: as a place of conservation, education, and inspiration for generations to come,” said PRD Director Dave Simon.
In addition to the grand opening, the City celebrated the contributions of several community leaders who played significant roles in the protection of SAOB and the City’s Open Space system overall, including: the late Suzanne Poole, a previous owner of the SAOB property; the late Dr. Joe Valles, a community leader and West Side advocate; and Rex Funk, the first Open Space Superintendent, who helped lead protection of the San Antonio Oxbow wetlands and other significant Open Space properties. Special signs and benches were unveiled that honor Poole and Valles, and the pavilion was named for Funk.
“We have everybody pulling together across generations for the same purpose because we love this place and we want to protect this” said Rex Funk, the first City Open Space Superintendent.
The San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs Open Space plays a critical role in protecting the Rio Grande ecosystem. The property also contributes to water quality, flood protection, and habitat preservation while providing scenic views of the Rio Grande and Sandia Mountains.
As part of Albuquerque’s Major Public Open Space network, the site will remain permanently protected from development, offering long-term environmental, recreational, and community benefits.
For more information, visit https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/san-antonio-oxbow-extension or contact Adryana Vialpando, Open Space, [email protected]C.