Westside Bosque Improvements Underway
The Open Space Division (OSD) of the Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) is launching a batch of significant improvements in the bosque on the City’s Westside. Several projects between Central and Avenida Dolores Huerta will enhance public access and recreation, create better wildlife habitat, and strengthen wildfire mitigation efforts.
The bosque parking lot at the southwest corner of Central and the river will be upgraded. The access road from Sunset SW to the parking lot, and the parking lot itself, will be regraded and resurfaced to improve safety and accessibility. The parking area will be temporarily closed during this work, which is underway and expected to wrap up this weekend. Later this year, OSD will install tables, benches, and informational signage to further improve the visitor experience. OSD also plans to rebuild and improve the river access point at this location to better facilitate boating and paddle sports.
“These improvements will help the community enjoy and better protect our beloved Bosque,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re making it easier for families to connect with nature, get active, and have fun along the river.”
OSD will continue to implement the bosque Habitat Action Plan by removing invasive plant species and planting native vegetation along the west side of the river between Central Avenue and Avenida Dolores Huerta/Bridge Blvd. This work will benefit wildlife, including birds and pollinators, and will re-establish a few small openings in the thick riverside vegetation, making it easier for visitors to see the Rio Grande.
“Protecting the bosque takes sustained effort,” said PRD Director Dave Simon. “When we combine habitat and recreation improvements, it’s a win-win.”
OSD is also working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to identify further opportunities to improve habitat and reduce the risks to wildfire. OSD and USACE are exploring possible removal of jetty jacks (which were historically used for flood control) from areas of bosque on the westside, which would be accompanied by habitat restoration. Preliminary planning for this work, which will include public input, is underway. Collaborative projects with USACE typically involve a 35%-65% local/federal cost share, so City funds can be substantially leveraged for significant results. Project implementation is projected for fall 2026.
Combined, these projects will invest more than $1 million into bosque projects in the Southwest quadrant of the City. Funding will come from City G.O. Bonds, state capital outlay, and federal funds. PRD is grateful to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque City Council, New Mexico State Senator Moe Maestas, and U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich for securing these funds.
“The Bosque needs better stewardship,” said State Senator Moe Maestes. “By providing more access points and removing hazardous fuels it’ll be much more friendly. With Mayor Keller’s leadership, the Bosque can become our city’s Central Park.”
Additional details and updates will be posted on the City’s website here.