ABQ Times

Mesa Verde Park is set for a significant renovation with funding from the federal government. The U.S. Department of the Interior announced today that it is awarding the City $1.3 million for the project. The grant comes from the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP). The City will match these funds, investing a total of $2.6 million into the park's upgrade.

“Fixing up this Mesa Verde Park is a project I’ve wanted to do ever since I was a State Senator in the International District, and with this funding, we’re finally able to do the renovations families in the area deserve,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “After over 40 years since it was built, Mesa Verde Park is getting the upgrades it needs.”

The planned improvements include a futsal court, pickleball courts, new playground and nature play area, shade structures, a dog park, an expanded pollinator garden, a loop path connecting art sculptures in the park, more trees, and replacement of the park’s 40-year-old irrigation system.

“Mesa Verde Park has been in desperate need of an overhaul,” said Parks & Recreation Director Dave Simon. “We’re grateful for this extra support from the federal government and we’re ready to get to work to bring it into the 21st century.”

Constructed in 1980, Mesa Verde Park has seen no significant improvements since then. Located in the City’s International District in La Mesa neighborhood—a diverse community—the park sits next to a community center that could benefit from enhanced outdoor space.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the National Park Service and the team in Parks and Recreation that worked to make this grant award happen,” said City Councilor Nichole Rogers. “Mesa Verde Park is a highly utilized space that deserves to be restored for the community that lives in the surrounding area. I can’t wait to see this project done so we can host more community events here.”

The City anticipates about 20 months for project completion once initiated. However, further planning and bidding processes are required before setting a construction start date.

The City’s Parks & Recreation Division (PRD) submitted this grant application back in April 2024. This marks their second ORLP program grant award.

Currently, 90% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park or green space, contributing to the City's park system ranking 15th nationally according to the 2024 ParkScore Index.