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Parks & Recreation FAQs

How do I become an Open Space Volunteer?
Can I reserve the Elena Gallegos Picnic area and what are the hours?
Can I get wood from the bosque?
Can I volunteer to help build trails or clean up open space areas?
What are the hours at La Boca Negra Park?
Can we swim in the river?
Can I have my pet off leash in Open Space?
Who do I call to report a trail problem?
Is the Bosque open?
Are grills allowed in the parks?
Who do I call to report graffiti in Open Space?
How do I make a tee time?
Is there a dress code at the golf course?
Golf lessons for children and adults?
Is there a golf Tournament scheduled this weekend?
Can I use the banquet facilities at one of the golf courses for a non-golf event?
How much is an annual golf pass?
What are the Junior and Senior golf ages?
How much does it cost to play golf?
Do you have practice golf facilities or a nighttime driving range?
Where can I play disc golf?

Open Space FAQs

  • How do I become an Open Space Volunteer?
    Call the Open Space Division at 505-452-5200 to find out when the next volunteer orientation is scheduled. Or see our volunteer information web page.
  • Can I reserve the Elena Gallegos Picnic area and what are the hours?
    Open Space has the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area and the Carolino Canyon available for reservations. Both sites have two reservation areas and the rates are based on group size. Reservations can be made as early as November 1st for the coming year. Call 452-5200 for reservation information. Summer hours (April 1st - October 1st) for the Elena Gallegos are 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. and winter hours are 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. See the reservation areas web page for more information.
  • Can I get wood from the bosque?
    The public may not collect firewood from the bosque. Occassionally during a restoration project wood may be left just outside of an Open Space boundary. The public is free to take this wood on a first come first serve basis.
  • Can I volunteer to help build trails or clean up open space areas?
    Yes. Contact the Open Space Division at 505-452-5200 to schedule a project for you and your group for trail building and trash cleanup projects. You may also participate in a number of Annual Volunteer Projects throughout the year such as National River Cleanup and National Trails Day.
  • What are the hours at La Boca Negra Park?
    Boca Negra opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. year round.
  • What kind of recreation is allowed in the river?
    Swimming is strongly discouraged. As long as the Bosque is open, fishing is allowed. Boats or canoes can be used in the river as long as it is not motorized. Boaters need to follow state regulations regarding recreational boating. See the New Mexico State Parks website for information on boating regulations in New Mexico, or call 1-888-NMPARKS.
  • Can I have my pet off leash in Open Space?
    No. Animals must remain on a leash in open space at all times.The City has specific off leash exercise and dog parks.
  • Who do I call to report a trail problem?
    Trail problems can be reported to 505-452-5200 or [email protected].
  • Does Open Space close certain areas during fire season?
    Due to high fire danger, the City of Albuquerque may enforce a Level II or Level III Bosque Closure at certain times of the year, especially the spring and early summer.

    During a Level II Closure, the paved Paseo del Bosque Trail and the levee roads on both sides of the river will remain open. A Level III Closure means that the entire Rio Grande Valley State Park is closed to all public access. During the Level III Closure the Paseo del Bosque Trail and all levee roads will be closed. The City has the right to close the Bosque until extreme fire conditions have improved. Complete or partial closures may also affect the Sandia Foothills Open Space and the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area during fire season. Please call 505-452-5200 for up to date fire restrictions.
  • Are grills allowed in Open Space parks such as Elena Gallegos?
    Yes. Gas or propane are allowed in developed Open Space facilities only. You must have a fire extinguisher on hand. Please contact the Fire Marshall's Office (764-6300) with any questions. During some fire restrictions, open fires are not allowed, but propane are allowed in developed facilities. Fire restrictions will be clearly marked at Open Space areas. Please call 505-452-5200 for up to date fire restrictions.
  • Who do I call to report graffiti in Open Space?
    Complaints for graffiti and trash should be directed to the main Open Space office number of 505-452-5200. Any illegal activity should be reported to the Open Space Police Dispatch at 505-452-5206.

Golf FAQs

  • How do I make a tee time?
    Tee Times will be accepted on Wednesday 7 a.m., Thursady & Friday for the weekend of Saturday, Sunday, and holidays at Los Altos, Arroyo Del Oso Only. Ladera Golf Courses is open for Tee Times Seven (7) Days in advance.

    The executive courses at Los Altos, Ladera, Arroyo del Oso-Dam Nine, and Puerto Del Sol will be open play on a first-come first-serve basis.

    Ladera Golf Course will issue starting times for weekday play with request taken one week in advance.

    Promptly at 7 a.m. every Wednesday, starting time reservations will be taken beginning with the first person signed on the arrival list at the pro shop. This person will be allowed one reservation time. The first person on the phone will then choose one starting time. The procedure will continue, alternating between in-person and on-the-phone reservations until everyone on the list or using the phone has made a reservation. Using the same alternating procedure, starting with the first n a.m.e on the list, and continuing as before, people whose n a.m.es are on the list will be given the opportunity of making a second and/or third reservation during those weeks that contain a holiday and starting time reservation apply.
  • Is there a dress code at the golf course?
    Golfers should dress appropriately. Please wear a shirt, shorts, slacks or skirt, and shoes. Metal spikes are not allowed on any of the City golf courses. Shirts are required.
  • Golf lessons for children and adults?
    Golf lessons are available, ages seven thorough adults, private or group. To make an arrangement please call the golf course in your area.
  • Is there a golf Tournament scheduled this weekend?
    Tournament schedules available on the Golf Events Calendar.

    Tournament schedule flyers are available at each golf pro shop beginning on the first day of each month:
  • Can I use the banquet facilities at one of the golf courses for a non-golf event?
    Yes. Banquet and meeting rooms are available for outside events at Ladera and Arroyo Del Oso. A new banquet facility will be opening at Los Altos in the fall of 2004. Please contact the food and beverage manager at the facility of your choice.
  • How much is an annual golf pass?
    Annual pass prices vary from $692 for a Junior User Fee Pass up to $1,434 for an unlimited use pass. For details, please contact Golf Management.
  • What are the Junior and Senior golf ages?
    Junior golfers are 17 years old and younger.
    Senior golfers are recognized at age 55 and older.

    Please contact pro shops or Golf Management Office.
  • How much does it cost to play golf?
    18-hole weekday regular rounds are $22.50 Monday through Friday, and $29 Saturday through Sunday.

    Senior rounds are 25 percent less on weekdays than regular rates for those 55 and older. Junior rates are 50 percent less than regular rates for golfers 17 and younger.

    The price for an 18-hole Junior round is $11.25 Monday through Friday. $14.50 Saturday, Sunday & Hoildays Nine-hole rates vary from course to course.

    The 18-hole Senior round is $16.30 Monday-Friday. $29 for Saturday, Sunday & Holidays. Afternoon and other special rates are also available. Please contact the individual golf pro shops for more information.
  • Do you have practice golf facilities or a nighttime driving range?
    Yes. All four of the City's golf courses offer practice putting and chipping greens and a driving range. Puerto Del Sol Golf Course operates a nighttime driving range until 10:30 p.m. from Memorial Day through mid-September.
  • Where can I play disc golf?
    Disc golf is not a City program, but it is held at city facilities.