Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis has introduced an emergency resolution aimed at addressing the declining condition of neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Emergency Parks Grass and Turf Replacement Resolution seeks to reverse what Lewis describes as a widespread deterioration of park spaces, including dead turf grass and overgrown weeds.
“Our parks are dying, and families are paying the price,” said Lewis. “We were told the Parks budget was more than adequate—it clearly wasn’t. I won’t sit by while our neighborhood parks turn into dirt fields and weeds. We’re taking action now to protect taxpayers, protect our parks, and restore pride in our city.”
The resolution proposes establishing an emergency project focused on replacing grass and turf in affected parks. It would allocate at least $2 million from existing funds for immediate work. The plan also requires city administration to identify priority parks, outline budgets, set timelines for completion, and provide monthly progress reports to the City Council.
Lewis cited testimony from May 2025 budget hearings where city officials stated that funding for Parks was sufficient despite requesting nearly $1 million less than the previous fiscal year. He argued that current conditions show otherwise and stressed that failing to act now could result in higher costs if entire parks require full replanting or closure for extended periods.
“In this year’s budget the Mayor requested a million dollars less than last year to maintain neighborhood city parks,” Lewis added. “During budget meetings in May of this year I asked the administration if the Parks Department has everything it needs to be able to ensure they have enough personnel and resources to maintain the best quality service to our parks. The administration said they were fully funded. That was clearly not the case. Now we are stepping in to protect Albuquerque’s green spaces, protect taxpayers, and protect our neighborhoods. It’s time to restore our parks for the families, children, and seniors who depend on them.”
Lewis emphasized that acting quickly is necessary because turf cannot be replanted during summer months; delays could increase backlogs and future expenses while risking further decline of public spaces.
Councilor Dan Lewis represents District 5 in northwest Albuquerque and has served multiple terms since first being elected in 2009.
