Residents get first-time look at newly renovated Phil Chacon Park
For three years, the park has been closed as the city worked to make some major improvements. 'The tide is turning in District 6,' said Nicole Rogers, Albuquerque City Councilor for the area where the park is located.
Community members say they've been waiting for this announcement. 'It's pretty nice, good for the kids,' said Chris Tobal Carrera, a visitor at the park. 'It has them active instead of being indoors.'
Hundreds pack Albuquerque park for May Day Rally
'I like doing BMX because it's fun and it entertains me and stuff, and I've [been] riding for like eight years now,' said Hannah, a bike rider who tried at the new BMX pump track.
The multimillion-dollar transformation includes new amenities like two new softball fields, a new playground, and much more. 'I think it's fun for kids to be out and running around on their bike,' said Liliana, a visitor at the park.
The park was closed back in 2022 after the city decided to give it a facelift. At one point, it had become a point of contention, after parents in the area reported that homeless people were going onto the nearby Van Buren Middle School Campus from the park. They also raised concerns about the amount of trash and needles at the park.
New study ask for feedback to improve 8th Street & Robinson Park in Albuquerque
Officials are confident their new approach will keep the park safe. 'All three watches have been directed by myself that they are going to be doing foot patrols through here, so they'll be parking, walking over to the substation, going through the park at various times every day of the week,' said Josh Richards, Commander of Albuquerque's Southeast Area Command for Albuquerque's Police Department.
Though law enforcement involvement will play a big part in keeping the park safe, officials are asking community members to help keep the park clean. 'If you're here and your dog goes number two in the park, pick it up,' Councilor Rogers said. 'If you're here and you're having a picnic and there's trash, pick it up.'
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