ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – If you’ve driven along Rio Grande Boulevard recently, you may have noticed construction on an empty, city-owned lot. Soon, the lot will become a place where people can enjoy a public, outdoor space right in the heart of Albuquerque.
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The seven-acre lot, which is part of the Candelaria Nature Preserve, is currently off limits to the public, but it won’t be for long. “We know there’s a real desire from the public to start using this space,” said Colleen McRoberts, Superintendent for the city of Albuquerque’s open space division. “Unlike the rest of the Candelaria Nature Preserve, that has more restricted access, and that’s very intentional to have it preserved predominantly for wildlife.”
Here’s what’s coming. Half of the property will remain the tree nursery, where the city grows trees for city parks. The other half will be a public outdoor space. Phase one will include a parking lot, easing the burden on surrounding neighborhoods. It will also include bike racks and benches for people. Phase two will include shade structures, irrigation, and signage educating people on habitats…