Plans are still being studied for the construction of a visitors center in Albuquerque that will go up on the northeast side of the city at the base of the Sandia Mountain range. More specifically, the project will be built within the boundaries of the 640 acres of the Elena Gallegos Open Space area, which is nestled within the Cibola National Forest. City officials have said that the visitors center, or education center as it is frequently called, will be in response to the increased foot and bike traffic in the open space. That traffic has increased from just under 150,000 visitors in 2010 to over 258,100 in 2020. A feasibility study conducted earlier this year by the Albuquerque-based architectural firm of Dekker/Perich/Sabatini looked at several possible sites within the larger open space area, before suggesting a spot at the northeast corner of Tramway Boulevard and Simms Park Road. The study additionally recommended the construction of a one-story building measuring around 4,800 square feet at that site which would house a lobby, classroom space, offices, restrooms, meeting room, and coffee bar. While public input meetings on the project have already been held, a group called Save the Elena Gallegos Citizens Committee has been formed in opposition to the project. That group asserts that the building of any facility in the area would violate a 40-year-old legal covenant governing the space and restricting construction to such amenities as picnic tables and benches, restrooms, and shelters. A website for the group also argues that proposed center has the potential of causing “very real and serious harm” to the Elena Gallegos Open Space’s ecosystem. By Garry Boulard
3 Comments
Shaleigh Henry
10/15/2022 12:58:38 pm
The city officials that are proposing this project, and those that support it, clearly do not respect the purpose of the Elena Gallegos Open Space, or the people who frequent it! Build the visitor/educational center away from the foothills further into the city where abandoned strip malls and buildings await such traffic. Elena Gallegos already has picnic tables, benches, restrooms, and group areas; while O’Beans coffee house is just north of the open space. This project will destroy the very thing we all go to Elena Gallegos for, to be outside enjoying the beautiful, natural environment!!! I frequent the open space weekly with Boy Scout troops, friends, and my family. The fact that this project is even on the table is a disaster and I would love to see those that came up with the idea removed from their jobs and replaced by people who respect the environment! This proposal is atrocious!! Do not move forward with this plan!!!!
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Catherine Hummel
10/17/2022 07:55:50 am
What can the public do to show support for this educational building. The several nature minded educational buildings across the city are great resources for schools and communities to bring outdoor awareness and appreciation. I cant imagine what I would have done to keep my kids occupied on days I didn't have extra funds to entertain them. Those were the days we took off to the Nature Center off Rio Grande. Now my kids are old enough to go on actual big hikes and they use the knowledge they learned when they were little to navigate the environment. They love nature and our beautiful trails. The Elena Gallegos open space is so accessible for those who can't hit the trails, so people of all ages and abilities can enjoy our beautiful terrain. I love this idea and I hope you aren't deterred by a grassroots organization that's probably more concerned with traffic in the area of their million dollar homes. Nature is to be shared and our communities and kids deserve an opportunity to enjoy it and learn about it.
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Seb Romero
10/17/2022 07:16:09 pm
I really enjoy this idea. I can see bringing my own kids to this area and the students I teach as well. I love the areas in the Bosque that provide a similar experience, so I look forward to this project doing the same. I can see some positives for the running community as well, since this area is a popular starting point for trailrunners.
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