Open Space Division Reflects on 40 Years
Over the weekend, the City Open Space Division and its numerous partners celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Open Space program and recognized significant strides made in the past few years at a day-long program at the Open Space Visitor Center. The celebration included a guided Bosque hike; panel discussion about the Past, Present, and Future of Open Space; music with High Desert Playboys and special guest Open Space musicians Dogs on Leash; and other family activities. Marking this milestone not only honors a legacy of dedication and passion over four decades, but also sets the stage for future advancements in preserving Albuquerque’s public lands legacy.
“We’ve made great strides over 40 the last years, preserving nature and enhancing public access to our open spaces for everyone,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “As we look forward to the next 40 years, we are reaffirming an even greater commitment to protecting open space for future generations.”
Mayor Keller noted that the system of Major Public Open Space has now grown to 30,596 acres, which includes nearly 1,500 acres protected since 2019.The Keller administration, working with City Council, also recently accomplished a major achievement for protection efforts, increasing funding for open space acquisition in the City’s General Obligation bond package from 2% to 3%. The increased set-aside amount will provide about $6,000,000 every two years for open space acquisition.
Land protection successes over the past six years has included acquiring significant areas such as the San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs (formerly known as the Poole property), sensitive riparian lands in the Tijeras Arroyo Biological Zone, 145 acres in 4-Hills that was slated to be a large subdivision, and a number of culturally significant sites, including the first settlement site of the Carnuel Land Grant.
“Over the last 40 years the City and its residents have continued to support and fund this division and use these spaces in and around Albuquerque,” said Open Space Advisory Board Chair Don Meaders. “They now constitute over 30,000 acres and are well-loved and use. Thank you Albuquerque for this marvelous gift to ourselves and future citizens.”
Looking ahead, Mayor Keller and Director Simon laid out several key goals for continued improvement of the Open Space program, including:
- Increasing acquisition resources with a goal of acquiring all properties on the priority acquisition list by 2034 (the 50th anniversary of Open Space).
- Establishing a “Bosque Legacy” program to improve protection, management, and restoration of the Rio Grande bosque, and give every APS student a bosque science education experience.
- Building the Open Space Conservation Officer program within APD to increase law enforcement in open space areas.
- Opening new areas for public use and education, and improving Open Space facilities, including the San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs Open Space, Tijeras Arroyo Bio-Zone Education Center, Open Space Visitor Center, Candelaria Nature Preserve, and Shooting Range Park.
“Thanks to decades of dedication by staff, partners, elected officials and volunteers, we have much to celebrate and the future of Open Space is bright,” said Parks & Recreation Department Director Dave Simon. “We remain committed to protecting our public lands legacy, expanding access to Open Space for all Burqueños, and enhancing the quality of life in our City.”
To learn more about OSD, please visit cabq.gov/openspace.