Growing Together: City Breaks Ground on Santa Barbara Martineztown Community Garden

ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque broke ground today on the Santa Barbara Martineztown Community Garden, marking the start of a project that expands access to fresh foods, supports sustainability, and strengthens neighborhood connections.

 Located on Albuquerque Public Schools-owned land just north of Santa Barbara Park and adjacent to Albuquerque High School, the new community garden will transform an underutilized space into a vibrant gathering place where residents can grow their own food, spend time outdoors, and build relationships and community. The community garden project is being developed by the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) under a long-term lease with APS.

 Mayor Tim Keller; APS Director of Real Estate, Serina Gallegos; President of the Santa Barbara Martineztown Neighborhood Association, Loretta Naranjo Lopez; and Director of Parks and Recreation, David Simon, joined community members and project partners at the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction and the collaboration behind the project.

“This is the kind of project that starts small, with seeds and soil, but grows into something much bigger for the neighborhood,” said Mayor Tim Keller “We’re creating a place where families can grow their own food, kids can learn where food comes from, and neighbors can build something meaningful together.”

Phase 1 of the project includes planting boxes, fruit trees, irrigation infrastructure, ADA-accessible pathways and parking, shaded seating areas and picnic tables, and a fenced permitter to create a safe and welcoming environment for all users. Construction begins in earnest on April 20, 2026 and is expected to be completed by end of June. Phase 2 is planned but is pending sufficient funds. It will include expansions to the orchard and planting spaces, additional gathering spaces and trees, and enhanced accessibility features.

 The project is funded by $320,000 in state capital outlay allocated over the past few years by State Representative Javier Martinez, former State Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino, and the late State Senator Bill O’Neill.

 “The Santa Barbara Martineztown neighborhood has faced more than its fair share of challenges and adversity over the years, but this strong, close-knit community has persevered by standing firm in their values and time-honored traditions,” said New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). “Over the years this neighborhood has built and rebuilt itself again and again. Today, Santa Barbara-Martineztown is rebuilding once more - preserving its rich history, while also investing in new projects like opening the multi-gen center, renovating The Commons, revitalizing the neighborhood park, and now building this community garden that will make life better for generations to come.”

 “APS is excited to have another great joint collaboration with the City” said APS Director of Real Estate, Serina Gallegos “It’s in the great Santa Barbara Martineztown, strong community, and we can’t wait to see the finished product.”

 “A strong partnership among APS, Parks, and the community has brought this project and this land to life,” said Parks and Recreation Director David Simon. “We are excited to see people literally dig in here and grow a healthier future for Albuquerque.”

 The Santa Barbara Martineztown Community Garden reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to improve quality of life through accessible green spaces, sustainable practices, and community driven projects.