Daniel Webster Park Unveils New Features for All Abilities
Phase 3 also includes City’s first extreme fitness course
ALBUQUERQUE – New recreation features opened at Officer Daniel Webster Memorial Children’s Park, marking completion of the city’s latest upgrades. Federal, state and city leaders; representatives from the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and Parks & Recreation Department; Officer Webster’s family, and community members gathered to unveil the improvements.
Phase 3 includes a gathering plaza, large inclusive playground, and extreme fitness course requested by Officer Webster’s widow, Michelle Carlino-Webster, to reflect his playful spirit and love for staying active. The ninja-style course is the first of its kind in a city park.
“The park is super cool!” said Michelle Carlino-Webster “Dan would love it. He would be playing on the fitness course, racing all the little kids”
“This park matches the energy and spirit Officer Webster brought to his work,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Neighbors can challenge themselves, play, and celebrate his legacy.”
The extreme fitness course boasts multiple features including an A-frame cage, globe grasp, jump hang, over-under bars, ledge hanger, angled overhead ladder, and an unstable bridge. Phase 3 also introduces several new recreation elements like a net climbing structure, play logs, and a “mountain” surface representing the Sandias. Daniel Webster Park continues to serve as a fully integrated space where children of all abilities can play side by side.
“Officer Daniel Webster dedicated his life to protecting our community. It is meaningful to have a place like this as we continue to reflect on his legacy,” said APD Interim Chief of Police, Cecily Barker. “This Park brings families, children and officers together in a positive way and is a reminder that public safety is also about building strong, healthy communities
Hawthorne Elementary School students explored the new playground equipment while APD cadets demonstrated the extreme fitness course during the celebration, highlighting the park’s role as a community gathering place for every age. Phase 3 improvements were funded through a combination of city, state and federal dollars, including a $858,000 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant from the National Park Service matched 1:1 by city and state funds, and a $750,000 congressionally directed spending grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“As a dad, a former outdoor educator, and a longtime advocate for getting kids outside, I know how important it is for kids to have access to green spaces, in their own neighborhood and beyond,” said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich. “That’s why I was proud to help fund this expansion so that kids of all abilities can have more opportunities to play and thrive outdoors, while also honoring Officer Daniel Webster’s legacy.”
“It really does take a village to get something like this done” said State Senator Mimi Stewart “I’m very honored to be a part of this.”
Upgrades in the fourth and final phase will include two basketball courts (one standard and the other for inclusive/wheelchair use), dog area, nature-based play zone, “tot lot” for younger children, a new gate, improved lighting, and other safety features. Construction starts this spring.