GENEIVA'S ARROYO GREENWAY PROJECT
City of Albuquerque
Site Plan, Preference Boards, and Plant Choices
Geneiva's Arroyo Greenway - Site Plan
Couldn't make the public meeting? Check out the recording of it below!
Geneivas Arroyo Public Meeting : January 26th, 2022
Timeline
Project Background and Goals
Geneiva's Arroyo, an undeveloped property South of Lowell Elementary School between University Blvd and Buena Vista Drive, was previously managed by the Department of Municipal Development, and has transitioned to management by the Parks and Recreation Department. The mostly unvegetated site is approximately 4.8 acres and has a distinct slope from east to west. The Parks and Recreation Department has begun the process to design and develop Geneiva's Arroyo as a public recreation site.
Funding for the project is currently provided by Councilor Benton's office and supports the planning and conceptual design stage. Additional funding to complete construction documents and support project implementation will be sought in the 2022 Legislative Session.
In November and December of 2021, stakeholder groups convened to discuss possible uses for the site, acknowledging the unique constraints due to slope, shape and drainage. Stakeholders include Albuquerque Public School officials, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, local food organizations, Albuquerque Housing Authority, CABQ Hydrology, the City's Assistant Forester, and other members of the Parks and Recreation Department. Design and planned uses must take into account the site's long, narrow shape and its 4-6% slope that includes a major 5 foot underground storm drain. New tree and shrub plantings cannot be within 5 feet on either side of the storm drain.
In January of 2022, the project will seek neighborhood engagement to evaluate which proposed uses are most desired in Geneiva's Arroyo. Various options for the design will be presented at a community meeting and site tour to gather neighborhood feedback.
The Site and Neighborhood
The Clayton Heights Neighborhood and Kirtland Community surrounding the site is situated south of the University of New Mexico's campus and north of the Albuquerque Airport (Sunport). Major arterials such as Gibson, University, and Yale encircle and traverse the neighborhood to the South, West and East sides of it respectively. The Clayton Heights Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan, informed by a series of community meetings in 2010, emphasizes a need to develop non-motorized transportation infrastructure here, saying,
"By developing and connecting transit corridors with activity centers vehicle needs are balanced with other forms of transportation that reduce the auto dependency, trip times, and increase citizens usage of multi-modal transportation services, including public transit, bicycle and pedestrian opportunities."
In fact, creating a multi-use path through the Geneiva's Arroyo site would connect the bike lanes on University Blvd with the designated bike route on Buena Vista Drive.
Furthermore, the residents of the neighborhood have expressed concern over vacant properties. Development of the Geneiva's Arroyo site is an opportunity to improve neighborhood walkability and increase green space while decreasing vacant lots.
Clayton Heights Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan (2010)
Existing Conditions
The Site and Surrounding Neighborhood Clayton Heights and Kirtland Community
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Current Geneiva's Arroyo Site
Buena Vista Drive entrance looking west
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Looking east from the middle of the site.
APS Diagnostic Center on the left and mobile home park on the right.
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Residential neighborhood to the south of Geneva's Arroyo
University Village mobile homes to the south of the lot.
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Lowell West Complex
Albuquerque Public Schools Lowell West Complex serves various users. It houses APS Transition Services, APS Community Clothing Bank, Title 1 Homeless Program, the District Parent‐Teacher Association (PTA) and Community Academic Initiative Resource (CAIR), a non-APS partner.
Lowell West is a site supporting post high school students with special needs. They focus on collaborative and interdisciplinary educational and training opportunities across various departments. Students gain experience with hands-on training through entrepreneurial and work-force partnerships with local business.
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Shared-use field
This field is used by Lowell Elementary School students when school is in session. On weekends, holidays and after-school hours the field is open to the public. There is no entrance or access linking the field to the project site.
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Lowell Elementary School
Lowell Elementary School is a K-5th grade school. The school has 379 students, and serves a predominantly Hispanic population.
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Neighborhood Community Center
The Loma Linda Community Center is a community hub that offers many resources to surrounding residents. The center provides daily after school programs and all-day summer camps. A computer lab, crafts room, multi-purpose room, kitchen and game room are all open to the public. The center takes pride in their two outdoor playgrounds, designed for inclusive play to those with disabilities. Loma Linda offers therapeutic recreation programs after school and during school breaks for both youth and adults.
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University of New Mexico Stadium
University Stadium is the home stadium for New Mexico Lobos football. It was built in 1960 and seats over 39,000 fans. Plans are underway to expand seating by 5,000. The stadium has also hosted large music concerts.
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Albuquerque Housing Authority
The Albuquerque Housing Authority's mission is to provide affordable housing and empower individuals to become self sufficient. They help people access Section 8 housing and apply for other housing supports, such as emergency housing or veterans programs. They are open 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday. For more information go to Albuquerque Housing Authority – Because Home is a Great Place to Start (abqha.org)
Opportunities and Challenges
Possible Site Uses
Despite site constraints, there are opportunities for creating a safe and green community space. The following are some examples of possible uses focused on a multi-use trail, bicycle terrain track, pollinator habitat, and green stormwater infrastructure.
Groundwork Studio
Multi-use Trail
A multi-use trail can be constructed running the length of the site to connect Buena Vista Drive to University Blvd.
Green Infrastructure
Much of the precipitation during flash rain storms runs off impervious pavements and surfaces before it can infiltrate our soils. Berms and swales can be constructed to capture stormwater and grow native vegetation.
Native Plant/Xeriscape and Low Water Use Demonstration Area
Native plant gardens use less water, attract pollinators and beautify our neighborhoods. Interpretive signage provides an educational opportunity for visitors.
Pedal Bike Path
Bike tracks are a fun way to get children and adults outdoors. Courses such as the Alameda North Valley Bike Park, can accomodate beginning to advanced BMX and mountain bike cyclists.
Nature Play and Discovery
Creating simple spaces for play with natural materials will engage children's curiosity.
Lighting
Solar lighting can provide energy efficient visibility and safety for the park and surrounding area.
Tree Groves
Low maintenance fruit or nut trees, like Pecan or Jujube, in combination with other low-water use shade trees, could add much needed shade while providing dust and wind mitigation. Trees provide cooling shade, restore soils, and wildlife habitat.
Pollinator Garden
Creating homes for our native bee pollinators, will help support flowering vegetation.
Murals
Murals lend a sense of identity to a community park.
Questions?
Contact Cheryl Somerfeldt
The Parks and Recreation Department; csomerfeldt@cabq.gov,505.768.5363
