City leaders celebrated the indoor and outdoor expansion of the Westgate Community Center on Thursday.
The expansion adds a splash pad, classrooms for early childhood education programs and two multipurpose rooms — which city staff say will increase the use of the already-busy center.
Hundreds of people a day participate in various multi-generational programs at Westgate, according to a news release from the city.
The multipurpose rooms will host community meetings, youth and senior programs and other activities.
“Southwest Albuquerque is the fastest growing part of our city, and this area is getting the quality-of-life improvements, programming and services that people of all ages deserve,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “Westgate is already serving hundreds of people a day, and the splash pad will bring more folks to the center to join in on the fun.”
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and City Councilor Klarissa Peña also participated in Thursday’s event.
“These additions and features to Westgate Community Center will offer greater access to more residents,” Peña said. “The wide range of resources now available will improve the experience of all age groups. We are excited to see the progress and the potential to enhance the lives of our community residents.”
According to the release, part of the project cost was met with a $5 million appropriation from the governor’s office.
Lujan Grisham described it as an investment toward meeting community members’ diverse needs and fostering a sense of belonging and well-being.
WHERE: 10001 De Vargas Road SW
DETAILS: Use of the indoor amenities will require a free membership. The splash pad will be open during all hours of operation of the community center, Information on memberships is available here.
She said the appropriation “reflects my administration’s support for creating spaces that bring people together and uplift communities.”
The community center has more growing to do, city officials say; the future holds a buildout of the park, which will have a walking trail, outdoor fitness equipment, a playground and cooling shade structures.
With two new classrooms, the city’s Division of Child & Family Development is planning to hire more teachers for children’s programs.
“Providing education to our little ones is essential to the foundation of our community,” Youth and Family Services Director Kata Sandoval said. “As we fill teaching positions, we hope to serve more children in the area and provide them with the support they need to grow and learn.”