ABQ Times

Over the weekend, the City Open Space Division and its partners celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Open Space program at a day-long event at the Open Space Visitor Center. The celebration included a guided Bosque hike, a panel discussion on the Past, Present, and Future of Open Space, music by High Desert Playboys with special guest musicians Dogs on Leash, and other family activities. This milestone honors four decades of dedication and passion while setting the stage for future advancements in preserving Albuquerque’s public lands legacy.

“We’ve made great strides over the last 40 years, preserving nature and enhancing public access to our open spaces for everyone,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “As we look forward to the next 40 years, we are reaffirming an even greater commitment to protecting open space for future generations.”

Mayor Keller noted that Major Public Open Space now encompasses 30,596 acres, including nearly 1,500 acres protected since 2019. The Keller administration, in collaboration with City Council, recently increased funding for open space acquisition in the City’s General Obligation bond package from 2% to 3%, providing approximately $6 million every two years for this purpose.

Land protection successes over the past six years include acquiring significant areas such as San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs (formerly known as the Poole property), sensitive riparian lands in Tijeras Arroyo Biological Zone, 145 acres in Four Hills that were slated for subdivision development, and several culturally significant sites including the first settlement site of Carnuel Land Grant.

“Over the last 40 years the City and its residents have continued to support and fund this division and use these spaces in and around Albuquerque,” said Open Space Advisory Board Chair Don Meaders. “They now constitute over 30,000 acres and are well-loved and used. Thank you Albuquerque for this marvelous gift to ourselves and future citizens.”

Looking ahead, Mayor Keller and Director Simon outlined several key goals for improving the Open Space program:

- Increasing acquisition resources with a goal of acquiring all properties on the priority acquisition list by 2034.

- Establishing a “Bosque Legacy” program to enhance protection, management, and restoration of Rio Grande bosque.

- Building an Open Space Conservation Officer program within APD to increase law enforcement in open space areas.

- Opening new areas for public use and education while improving existing facilities like San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs Open Space.

“Thanks to decades of dedication by staff, partners, elected officials, and volunteers, we have much to celebrate and the future of Open Space is bright,” said Parks & Recreation Department Director Dave Simon. “We remain committed to protecting our public lands legacy, expanding access to Open Space for all Burqueños, and enhancing quality of life in our city.”

To learn more about OSD visit cabq.gov/openspace.