Elected officials and local residents marked the completion of the final phase of the Joan Jones Community Center in Albuquerque’s Atrisco neighborhood. The expanded facility now offers a fitness room, mini-gymnasium, and more meeting space for area families.
The center first opened after renovations in 2015 to provide services for youth and families in Atrisco Hills. With this latest expansion, officials say it fulfills its role as a central gathering place for the community.
“This project was severely impacted by rising costs of materials and the ongoing labor shortage,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “But we stayed committed. We’ve been fighting to get projects like this done because people deserve high-quality, accessible spaces they can enjoy together.”
This expansion is part of broader city investments in public infrastructure, such as the recently launched Santa Barbara Martineztown Multigenerational Center and Jack Candelaria Community and Boxing Center.
“Every neighborhood needs beautiful, functional spaces for all ages,” said Director of Youth and Family Services Jess Martinez. “We’re eager to see residents enjoy this spot.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of the Joan Jones Community Center’s Phase II,” said District 2 City Councilor Joaquín Baca. “This long-awaited expansion provides community space for families to connect and socialize, and honors Joan Jones’ legacy. It adds capacity, programming, and amenities to enrich our community.”
Joan Jones, who served as president of the Pat Hurley Neighborhood Association for over two decades, is honored by having the center named after her. Although she passed away before construction began, former City Councilor Ken Sanchez had shared plans with her so she could envision what was coming to her neighborhood.
The completed center is intended as a tribute to her legacy and will serve future generations.
