City Seeks Public Input to Plan the Future of the Walker Property in Wells Park
The City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department is asking the Wells Park neighborhood and surrounding areas to help develop a community-based vision for the redevelopment of the Walker Property in Wells Park. The site, located between 5th Street and 6th Street NW and Summer Ave and Rosemont Ave NW, has been referred to as “the Walker Property” for many years as it was previously owned by the Walker family. The 2.2-acre site is just north of the Wells Park Community Center and was recently purchased by the City of Albuquerque to spur revitalization in the area.
Mayor Tim Keller said, “With so many services for the homeless community in the Wells Park area, we know it takes a toll. That’s why we’re committed to investing in the neighbors and families who live in this part of town in ways that will boost the neighborhood for generations to come.”
Councilor Ike Benton said, “In partnership with the neighborhood association, neighborhood, the State and Bernalillo County, we are investing in the Wells Park neighborhood to bring the community together in new public spaces. The Walker property has the potential to be a great addition to this historic neighborhood, and I look forward to working with the neighborhood to plan for the future of the site.”
“As one of Albuquerque’s historic neighborhoods, the Wells Park area is filled with amazing culture and history,” stated Dave Simon, Director of Parks and Recreation. “This project is all about finding ways to bring to life the stories of the past and hopes for the future. We want the entire Wells Park Neighborhood to join us in this effort.”
While this site is currently vacant, it previously had homes and businesses on it until 2002, when the buildings were removed due to ongoing nuisance violations and safety concerns. Today, the site offers a prime location for diverse uses that could support and revitalize the Wells Park Neighborhood and surrounding communities, which could include community center or park features along with other elements that activate the site.
State Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino said, “The neighborhood, State, County, and City all worked together to fulfill this long-held dream, and I’m proud to have been a part of that.”
State Representative Javier Martinez said, “Wells Park is one of New Mexico’s oldest and most historic communities. I’m proud of this investment in the future of the neighborhood and look forward to the community developing a plan for the Walker property,”
County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley said, “This is a unique opportunity for the Wells Park community to create and support a public space for the benefit of the children and families in the surrounding neighborhoods.”
Over the next six months, the Parks and Recreation Department will facilitate a community engagement process to gather community stories, ideas, and aspirations. During this time, there will be multiple ways for the community to provide input, including meetings, art installations, surveys, and other mechanisms for comment. There are three ways to get involved right now:
- Share a Story
- Sign up for Updates & Plan to Attend an Activity
- Email the Project Team
Interested participants can visit bit.ly/WalkerProperty to find more information on the project and to join the process.