City Begins Public Input Sessions for Former Poole Property

Today, the City of Albuquerque announced that public input sessions will begin soon at its newest protected open space area, formerly known as the Poole Property.  The Parks and Recreation Department’s Open Space Division is hosting opportunities at the 23-acre site for public tours, input and listening session as planning for the future of the property begins.

“Acquiring this property was a huge win for the Albuquerque communities who made their voices heard, everyone in our city who cares about conservation and our natural landscape, and the wildlife that calls the Bosque home,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “As we begin looking at the future of this property, we will continue listening to the thoughts and ideas of those who care deeply about this project.”

Once slated for a large-scale real estate development, the property is adjacent to the only remaining river-connected wetlands on the Rio Grande River between Bernalillo and Bernado. It also connects to the City’s existing San Antonio Overlook and Oxbow Open Space properties.

“Voices of residents have been important to this project since day one,” said Dave Simon, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Open Space will plan the future of this property with their continued participation.”

While the property was privately owned and being planned for development, it experienced significant damage to the irrigation, structures, and other features.  Unfortunately, some tree die-off also occurred due to lack of irrigation.  The Open Space Division is currently cleaning up the area and minimizing hazards, including removing standing dead trees, loose wires, exposed piping, and other debris.

The Open Space Division will hold several tours and listening sessions to solicit ideas about how the property should be opened to the public in order to protect habitat, and support low-impact recreation and education.   In addition, Open Space is recruiting volunteers who want to assist at the site with clean-up efforts. Dates for these sessions are as follows:

• September 4th, 2021 9am-11am (tour 1 and volunteer clean-up)
• September 15th, 2021 5:30pm-6:30pm (tour 2)
• October 6th, 2021 5:30pm- 6:30pm (virtual listening session)

Tour 1 will also be a volunteer clean-up of the property. Those interested in participating in this portion of the tour are asked to bring their own gloves, wear appropriate hiking/walking gear and bring a water bottle. Tour 2 will be a walking tour and listening session only. Tour 3 will be a virtual listening and public input session via Zoom