Take Me Out to Los Altos
Mayor Tim Keller, the Department of Municipal Development (DMD), the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD), and community leaders announced the substantial completion of Phase 1 renovation of Los Altos Park and the soft reopening of the softball field complex. The five softball fields will allow Albuquerque to host larger regional tournaments, welcoming travelling families to our city.
“The promise of Albuquerque is in full swing at Los Altos, and our investments into improving our parks and facilities are helping to create ideal spaces for local and visiting families,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Los Altos Park is a generational staple, and the new renovations not only make it safer, but they ensure the park will continue to be a vital connection point for future generations.”
Music, softball-shaped cookies, and special mementos for the occasion added to the festive atmosphere. In addition to elected officials, representatives from dozens of mens’, womens’, and girls’ softball teams participated in the dedication ceremony, walking in from center field to take positions around the infield. Following the cry of “Play Ball,” the team representatives split into teams to play 5-inning games on three of the new fields.
The Phase 1 renovations involved a complete redesign of the park’s softball fields, parking, and vehicle and pedestrian access. The project reoriented the softball fields and added a fifth field; all five of the fields are now regulation size with fences at 300 feet. The fields can also be converted to a girls’ softball configuration with fences at 200 feet. The new softball complex also includes: a community building that can be used by event organizers, umpires, coaches and community groups, bathrooms, a concession stand, covered spectator bleacher seating, a large shade structure with a picnic area, LED field and walkway lighting, a new irrigation system, and new fencing and backstops, Redesign of pedestrian and vehicle access provides more efficient use of space and improved safety and security. A centralized pedestrian promenade traverses the middle of the softball complex and connects the park’s east and west sections. Other improvements to the park include 240 new trees, a new water fountain, and perimeter fencing.
“This is another successful collaboration between the City and the Community. Municipal Development is always proud to partner with other City Departments to build world class projects that will be enjoyed by future generations of Burquenos.” said DMD Director, Pat Montoya.
The funding sources for Phase 1 renovations include City Lodger’s Tax, other city funds and state capital outlay funds.
“This is going to be such a great community gathering spot,” said City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. We are so grateful to everyone who had a hand in putting this wonderful project together. In particular, we appreciate the hard work of former Councilor Diane Gibson, whose vision is being realized tonight.”
“This project is for the players and the community” said Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon. “But thank you to the All-Star Team—Mayor Keller, the City Council, and state legislators—who made it happen.”
Use of the new Los Altos softball fields will ramp up gradually from now through the fall. The new grass turf on three of the five fields has been in place sufficient time to be playable; grass on the other two fields still requires additional time to establish strong roots and grow in order to support regular play. PRD is planning for some City recreational softball games and softball tournaments in August, plus Los Altos will host the Fall League softball from mid-September through October. The fields rest over the winter and PRD anticipates a full return to play at Los Altos in March 2024 with the resumption of the spring and summer seasons.