Albuquerque Contemplating Recreational Uses for Vast Open Space

A 23-acre site on the northwest side of Albuquerque that was once viewed as a future neighborhood comprised of more than 75 new homes may see the creation of a new park-like space.

What is called the San Antonio Oxbow Extension is located off Coors Boulevard and runs along the Bosque cottonwood forest bordering the Rio Grande.

According to a study conducted in 2012 by the Army Corps of Engineers, the space contains “the last vestiges of marsh habitat in the Middle Rio Grande.”

Earlier this spring the City of Albuquerque purchased the property for around $6.7 million, with plans for turning into an open space that may include some minimally built park infrastructure.

In recent weeks the city’s Open Space Division has been cleaning up the area, removing debris, exposed piping, and standing dead trees.

The Open Space Division has coordinated at least one public input meeting that included a tour of the property, with plans for more in order to solicit views on how the property can best be utilized.

Ideas for the space have included the building of walking and hiking trails. According to a city document, the Open Space Division’s goal is to protect habitat, while also supporting “low-impact recreation and education.”

​By Garry Boulard

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