Keller’s the choice for parks & rec protection
His positions will keep the city’s open space and trails safe and in good condition
The city of Albuquerque is a strong and special place. Although we face immense challenges such as high crime rates, the need to create more job opportunities, and the need to improve our schools, we have a common thread that brings all of Albuquerque together. Our system of parks, open space and trails is one of our greatest strengths. We should focus on this positive and hopeful idea as we open the newspaper every morning — after our morning walk!
The coming municipal election is October 3. All of the candidates are rightly focused on public safety; however, they cannot ignore the very important basic service that touches people of all ages and all socioeconomic classes. We must be aware of how our city will move forward in protecting our natural resources. Which leader will best provide a positive outlook and strong support for this basic service? The one candidate that has a strong position on parks and recreation is Tim Keller.
The city manages approximately 300 parks; 29,000 acres of open space; over 170 miles of trails, 12 public swimming pools and multiple recreation facilities serving residents of all ages. These quality-of-life resources must be protected, supported and utilized to address some of our residents’ basic needs: safety and social equity, health and wellness, and conservation.
Safety and social equity: Public recreation in community centers helps to alleviate juvenile crime. By providing safe environments with physical activity and high-quality recreational programming, we can bring kids through the doors. Welltrained staff can provide education on social issues and real-life experiential learning. This creates a positive path forward for kids when they may be vulnerable to the more negative influences of drugs and gangs.
Parks and open space should be one-fourth mile or walking distance from every home. The Rio Grande Bosque/Rio Grande Valley State Park runs through low-income communities in the near North Valley, central Albuquerque and South Valley areas. Access to our open space and education of our youths is essential to combat “nature deficit disorder,” in which urban kids do not have experience with nature and outdoor recreation.
Health and wellness for all ages: Kids spend 6.5 hours a day on screen time. The cost of childhood obesity is $100 billion annually. The benefits of recreation and outdoor activities for teens include improved moods, relieved stress and reduced depression. Bicycling, canoeing, hiking and observation of wildlife are not only a benefit for our residents but an ecotourism draw for visitors. Albuquerque is a city with almost 365 days of sunshine; our parks, open space and trails system is a draw for retirees to relocate here. Our community provides healthy activities for seniors including walking, outdoor education, socialization and volunteer opportunities.
Conservation: The City Goals Committee established the goal in 1969 “to preserve the unique natural features of the metropolitan area by achieving a pattern of development and open space respecting the river, mesa, mountains, volcanoes and arroyos.” This goal was embraced and supported by a grass-roots effort of our community in the 1960s and 1970s. This commitment by our community continues today. Albuquerque’s Open Space Program is nationally recognized and must be supported. In partnership with Bernalillo County, we can create an Albuquerque/Bernalillo County open space system working toward regional acquisition and management.
Tim Keller is the only candidate for mayor who has made a personal commitment to allow growth that respects the natural environment and results in high-quality development as well as positive economic development that respects our unique environment.
The citizens of Albuquerque have supported our system of parks, open space and trails for decades. We must continue to support this positive idea as we go to the polls and vote for our next mayor. Tim Keller is our choice.