Next Phase of Public Input Begins for Walker Property

Last year, the Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department engaged directly with the Wells Park Neighborhood and surrounding areas in a six-month long visioning process to understand the community’s desires for the redevelopment of the Walker Property. Today, the City released a survey as part of the next phase of public input.

Mayor Tim Keller said, “Wells Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Albuquerque, and we are continuing to make history happen with this community-driven project. It is so important that we hear from folks living in Wells Park about their visions for this vacant site so we can work towards making it a reality.”

With the data from the initial phase, four concepts were created that balance the wants and needs identified by the community. Now, residents can view the proposed concepts and provide input by completing the survey. Feedback on these potential combinations of uses and layouts will further inform the understanding of community preferences and be eventually be integrated into the final design.

Photos of the proposed concepts and the online survey can be viewed here. Printed versions of the survey will be made available for pickup at local businesses around Wells Park. The survey will be live until March 24^th.

The concepts included in the survey:

• Concept 1: ‘The City Park’
  • A multi-functional hardscape court is placed at the center of the Walker Property, surrounded by rings of spaces for gathering, playing and getting active. Space would be reserved near the existing Johnny Tapia Community Center for a potential teen center and the road between the two sites could be gated off for special events.
• Concept 2: ‘The Promenade’
  • Activity areas stretched out along a center linear plaza space, with a potential teen center anchoring the space. Features along the central space include a food truck area, a signature playground and new fitness areas.
• Concept 3: ‘Mega Court’
  • With places abounding to roll, bounce, flex and dangle residents can get active or kick back and watch the commotion from a shady refuge with a treat from the food and drink vendors. A tree-lined walkway dotted with artwork and additional basketball courts link the new development to the existing site features.
• Concept 4: ‘The Great Lawn’
  • Drawing up on the vibrancy of the neighborhood, a teen center and café plaza are placed along the historic Mountain Road and connected length-wise though the center of the site by a lawn, flanked by an event and marketplace, food and fitness. The site is anchored at its north by a small housing cluster and contemporary, art-filled plaza space.

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 purchased by the City of Albuquerque to spur revitalization in the area.