Splashing into Westgate: Construction Underway on Phase II
May 11, 2023
Today Mayor Tim Keller, Councilor Pena, and city leaders broke ground on the second phase of construction at the new Westgate Community Center. The expansion will add a warming kitchen, splash pad, classrooms, a bus stop, and meeting spaces to the center, which opened in 2021. Located in Southwest Albuquerque, Westgate already serves the surrounding community with youth programming during out of school time, senior meals, a fitness center, and English as a Second Language classes.
“It’s been so exciting to see how this community has embraced the new Westgate community center,” said Family & Community Services Director Carol Pierce. “The Southwest mesa is a growing part of our city and we are meeting the high need for youth programs, senior meals, classes, and more. This expansion improves our delivery of senior meals, improves our youth program, and brings more resources to this part of town.”
“Today is exciting for the Southwest community, as their new community center is entering into the second phase of this project,” said City Councilor Klarissa Peña. “We’ve worked for numerous years to get to this point and the community will now be able to enjoy the added amenities to the center, and we’ll continue working on the last phase of this project that will include a gymnasium.”
“We continue to invest in our community centers because every family deserves access to quality amenities, regardless of where they live in the city,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Improved facilities enhance the quality of life for our residents.”
“There’s nothing more fun than running though the sprinkler,” said Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon. “Water play means summer and we are bringing those great feelings to Westgate. We look forward to kids splashing in the water for years to come.”
Funding for the expansion came from GO Bond funds, City general funds, and state capital outlay. Contracted partners are Lee Gamelsky Architects and Jaynes Corporation. Construction will be concluded by next summer.