New Aquatic Center in Albuquerque's North Valley May See Additional Facility Work If County Bond Passes

Continued work on the much-anticipated North Valley Aquatic Center in Albuquerque is in store if voters in Bernalillo County next week approve a $17 million bond proposal.

Bond question number 2 will provide that amount for a variety of park, community center, little league and softball field upgrades.

But the funding will also specifically go for the new North Valley Aquatic Center. That project, as part of a larger county parks, recreation and open space endeavor, is seeing the first phases devoted to planning and design, with the $4.1 million third phase construction set to begin next summer.

Responding to surveys taken by residents interested in the new facility, Bernalillo County officials determined to build the new aquatic facility at the existing Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center at 9800 4th Street NW, some 12 miles to the north of downtown Albuquerque.

Those surveys also indicated that out of a list of proposed new and improved community facility projects, the desire for an aquatic center in the North Valley was consistently viewed as the number one priority by respondents.

If all goes according to plans, the project, which will include a new pool, splash park, and replacement mechanical room, is expected to be completed sometime late next year.
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Altogether, voters in Bernalillo County will decide on six separate general obligation bond proposals designed to fund everything from park and community center upgrades, to new sewerage infrastructure and fiber optic installations.

​By Garry Boulard

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