31-05-2025
City of Albuquerque begins redevelopment of San Antonio Oxbow Bluffs
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It was about to be dozens of homes on the westside near the Bosque until the city spent millions to save it. Now, the City of Albuquerque is breaking ground on plans to get more people enjoying one of the most unique natural gems along the Rio Grande. 'This space now belongs to us as free open space,' said Open Space Superintendent Colleen Langan-McRoberts.
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A green oasis for picnics, dog walking, and taking in nature. That's what Albuquerque Open Spaces envisioned for the San Antonio Oxbow in 2021, after a campaign from neighbors and advocates led to the purchase of the city's last remaining marsh-wetland habitats. 'A small group of determined people can stand up for what they believe and make a difference, and isn't that exactly what happened here?' continued Langan McRoberts.
The city bought the 23-acre-Poole Family property for about $7 million, saving it from being built out with around 60 homes.
'The fact that we have these wonderful landscapes features, the Bosque, the foothills, the West Mesa, is so special, it characterizes what this city is all about, and people can relate to these natural features,' emphasized Deputy Director Dennis Vasquez.
Now after years of planning, the city is finally redeveloping the open space with a community vision for the rare, natural area, 'And the fact that these over the past 40 years have been protected and preserved and are now being managed for public enjoyment in the future is a very, very special feature about Albuquerque,' continued Vasquez.
Phase one, now under construction, will create a new trail system around the property, including an ADA trail. They're also planning to add benches, shade structures, and other outdoor furniture. Along with educational signage and an outdoor classroom. The improvements are expected to finish next spring.
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