Aquatic center should come before stadium and Rail Trail
The North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center (NDBAC) is already part of Albuquerque’s master plan.
After nearly 20 years of promises, we are on the verge of seeing this vision become a reality. Unfortunately, many are unsure if the mayor is enthusiastic about the NDBAC.
The administration has unilaterally announced plans to move forward with a soccer stadium at Balloon Fiesta Park, potentially costing $100 million, and the estimated $60 million Rail Trail project. These announcements occurred with a complete lack of public meetings, community input, or consideration of voters. It seems the administration has slow-walked the groundbreaking of the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center, even failing to submit requests for proposals to begin the construction.
According to the opinion of the Albuquerque Journal Editorial Board published June 30, “Albuquerque could be on the cusp of something big, really big...that could draw New Mexicans from every corner of the state. It could be the shot in the arm the city needs as it struggles with crime, homelessness, poor education, and slow economic and population growth.”
The Journal was advocating for the newly announced soccer stadium built specifically to house a private business. However, these comments strongly apply to advocating for the long-awaited, and much-needed aquatic center.
This aquatic center will help children build self-confidence, give them a healthy activity in which to participate, and lead them to achieve their goals. It will be a regional draw for swim competitions and athletes from all around the United States.
It will help senior citizens conduct low-impact therapy and lap swimming. Thousands of low-income residents will benefit from aquatic equity. It will increase tourism and benefit our local and state economies. It’s no secret, Albuquerque is experiencing a protracted crime crisis, and I believe an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.
The North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center is so desperately needed that something unusual has happened: Consensus! In addition to repeated voter approval and city funds, Gov. Lujan Grisham, state Sens. Martin Hickey, Daniel Ivey-Soto, Moe Maestas, Mark Moores, Bill O’Neill, Harold Pope, Gregg Schmedes, Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, Bill Tallman, and state Reps. Karen Bash, Gail Chasey, Natalie Figueroa, Pamelya Herndon, Dayan Hochman-Vigil, Marian Mathews, Bill Rehm, Bernalillo County, and Albuquerque Public Schools all have contributed funding for the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center.
There is no need to wait any longer. Design is complete. Funding has been fully secured for at least two of the three estimated phases. Before costs continue to increase, let’s begin building what voters have been requesting for nearly two decades.
It’s time for the residents of Albuquerque to urge Mayor Keller to listen to you. Let him know that you don’t support funding public projects like private soccer fields at Balloon Fiesta Park and a Rail Trail, if it means the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center doesn’t happen first.