City Steps Up for Local Little Leagues

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The City of Albuquerque has made major improvements to youth baseball and softball facilities throughout town, with nearly $6 million in upgrades completed and another $1.3 million underway.

Across the City’s 10 Little League complexes, upgrades include new turf fields, better lighting, expanded concessions, nicer seating, more shade, enhanced security, and infrastructure improvements to better serve young athletes, coaches, fans and volunteers.

“These fields teach kids teamwork, boost confidence, and create priceless memories,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Investing in our youth and our neighborhoods is always the right play.”

“The next Alex Bregman might be out there in an Albuquerque Little League, but investing in these facilities isn’t just playing ball and winning games,” said Parks & Recreation Director David Simon. “It’s personal development and building healthy communities.”

Little League Project Highlights Include:

Alameda Little League

Alameda Little League received major upgrades including 10 new turf bullpens and a new east plaza featuring shade structures, a playground, parking lot improvements, and infrastructure for future restrooms.

“The investment the city has made in Alameda Little League has a made tremendous difference for our players and families. These improvements not only enhance the experience for the kids who play here today, but also help ensure that Alameda Little League remains a place where families can come together and children can build memories for generations to come.” Said Samantha Sanchez, President of Alameda Little League.

Eastdale Little League

Improvements completed at Eastdale Little League include three infield turf conversions, four new scoreboards, six turf bullpens, and new solar lighting.

Lobo Little League

Lobo Little League improvements include new perimeter fencing and windscreens, dugout concrete upgrades, restroom demolition, and the purchase of a new mower.

Mile High Little League

Mile High Little League received extensive upgrades including new field lighting, a rookie field turf conversion, a new scoreboard, shade structures, bleacher repairs, dugout improvements, concession upgrades, and new concrete walkways throughout the complex.

Petroglyph Little League

Petroglyph Little League has received new shade structures, concrete work, and a new “rookie field.”

Roadrunner Little League

Roadrunner Little League improvements include drainage and landscaping upgrades, restroom renovations, new concession windows, and improved security. Remaining restroom upgrades are expected to be completed this month.

Thunderbird Little League

Thunderbird Little League received new bleachers, shade structures for spectator and play areas, and additional maintenance equipment upgrades.

Westgate Little League

Westgate Little League received major facility improvements including a new concession food trailer and enclosure, landscaping upgrades, a new turf practice field, additional storage, shade structures, and new utility vehicles and equipment.

“We are incredibly grateful for the City’s support of Westgate Little League. From our new concession stand and turf areas to new windscreens and other ongoing field improvements, these upgrades have made a huge difference for our league. Most importantly, they give our kids a safe and welcoming place to play, grow, and make lasting memories. We truly appreciate the City’s continued support of our youth and our community” said Erika Alvarado, President of Westgate Little League.

West Mesa Little League

West Mesa Little League improvements include new restrooms, new perimeter gates, and equipment upgrades.

Zia Little League

Zia Little League received security upgrades, softball infield repairs, landscaping improvements, water line repairs, and new concession furnishings.

“We’re really happy to see these much-needed improvements happening at the Little League fields. We’ve worked with our state legislators and PRD over the years to help move these projects forward, and it’s great to finally see that work paying off. These improvements will make a real difference for our young athletes, their families, and our community.” said District 4 City Councilor Brook Bassan.

Collectively, these projects represent one of the City’s largest coordinated investments in Little League infrastructure in recent years, helping give Albuquerque youth safer, more modern, more welcoming spaces to practice, play and gather. Major funding for Little League projects over the past three years has come from City general obligation bonds ($4.9 million) and state capital outlay grants ($2.2 million).

The city wants to recognize all of the elected officials who made these improvements possible, from city councilors to the following state legislators, through state capital outlay funding between 2024 and 2026. State senators: Heather Berghmans, Jay Block, Katy Duhigg, Natalie Figueroa, Martin Hickey, Linda Lopez, Antonio Maestas, Michael Padilla, Harold Pope Jr., Mimi Stewart, Nicole Tobiassen, and the late Senator Bill O’Neill. State representatives: Kathleen Cates, Eleanor Chávez, Nicole Chavez, Meredith Dixon, Miguel Garcia,Yanira Gurrola, Dayan Hochman-Vigil, Pamelya Herndon, Javier Martínez, Marian Matthews, former Representative Bill Rehm, Debra Sarinana, and Liz Thomson.