The City of Albuquerque has opened new multi-use athletic turf fields next to the Westgate Community Center, marking a 4.8-acre expansion aimed at increasing recreational opportunities on the city’s Westside. The project includes turf fields, parking, lighting, grass areas, and a one-third mile walking path. These facilities are intended to support year-round sports, after-school activities, and community gatherings for both youth and adults.
“This is about delivering for Westside families,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These fields will support youth leagues, school programs, adult teams, and our Teen Connect initiative. This is another step toward ensuring every Albuquerque neighborhood gets its fair share of investments.”
Funding for the project came from $885,198 in general obligation bond funds approved by voters and backed by a Cleanup Resolution in 2021. Landscape architect Lee Gamelsky led the design process.
City Councilor Klarissa J. Peña commented on the impact of the expansion: “The completion of these new athletic turf fields at the Westgate Community Center is a major win for our youth and sports community here in the City’s Southwest,” she said. “This significant expansion of multi-use playing areas—nearly five acres—increases athletic opportunities for our youth and additional adult sports activities on the Westside and in the Southwest quadrant of our city. It will also provide fantastic new resources for the community center’s vital before/after school and summer programs. I want to thank the City Parks and Recreation Department for their hard work and dedication to making this project a reality.”
The addition of these fields supports Mayor Keller’s Teen Connect initiative, which collaborates with schools, libraries, and community centers to offer safe spaces and activities for teenagers.
“These multi-use fields are perfect for soccer, flag football, and many other sports and family activities,” said Parks and Recreation Department Director Dave Simon. “This investment in our community will benefit generations of Burquenos.”
