Expansion of Westgate Community Center Means More Summer Fun
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the City celebrated the expansion of a one-of-a-kind community center in the heart of the Westgate community. Mayor Tim Keller, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Councilor Klarissa Peña, community center members and staff gathered to highlight the new outdoor splash pad and expanded indoor space. The new developments add capacity to the already busy community center that sees hundreds of community members a day for various multi-generational programs. The two new multi-purpose rooms will allow for larger community meetings, rental space, youth programs, adult classes and senior activities. There are also now classrooms for early childhood education programs, which will make Westgate a unique facility that serves Albuquerque families at all stages of life.
“Southwest Albuquerque is the fastest growing part of our city, and this area is getting the quality-of-life improvements, programming and services that people of all ages deserve,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Westgate is already serving hundreds of people a day, and the splash pad will bring more folks to the center to join in on the fun.”
“These additions and features to Westgate Community Center will offer greater access to more residents,” said District 3 Councilor Klarissa Peña. “The wide range of resources now available will improve the experience of all age groups. We are excited to see the progress and the potential to enhance the lives of our community residents.”
“The new facilities at the Westgate Community Center, from the classrooms to the splash pad, will meet diverse needs and foster a healthy sense of belonging and well-being,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “This $5 million investment reflects my administration’s support for creating spaces that bring people together and uplift communities.”
While the inside of the community center elevates community programs, the outside aims to serve families as well, helping folks cool off this summer with the new splash pad. The next phases of the facility will continue to build out the park, which will have a walking trail, outdoor fitness equipment, playground and shade structures to stay cool on hot days.
Westgate continues to be a great community for families. As families grow, The Division of Child & Family Development is working to expand early childhood education programs. With two new classrooms, the team is hiring more teachers to provide essential and comprehensive programs to serve children in the area.
“Providing education to our little ones is essential to the foundation of our community,” said Youth and Family Services Director Kata Sandoval. “As we fill teaching positions, we hope to serve more children in the area and provide them with the support they need to grow and learn.”
The splash pad will be open during all hours of operation of the community center. Memberships are free and will be required to use the indoor amenities. Memberships can be found at play.cabq.gov.