Place

Petroglyph Estates Park

6611 Petirrojo Rd. NWAlbuquerque, NM 87120

Begun May 2014, completed July 2015


About

Located at the site of a stormwater control basin, Petroglyph Estates Park provides a unique opportunity for the City of Albuquerque and landscape architect to develop a continuously evolving and adapting natural setting that connects visitors with nature.

Categories PlaceBotanic & ArboretumParks & Play SpacesRecreation

Various plants and shrubbery sprawl throughout the park and reflect the variety of ecosystems of the West Mesa.

Various plants and shrubbery sprawl throughout the park and reflect the variety of ecosystems of the West Mesa.

Project Details

Description

This project is a neighborhood park that is approximately 2.5 acres on Albuquerque’s West Mesa. The site is a stormwater control basin, which steered the design from the beginning to be a park with a completely different type of design. The City of Albuquerque and landscape architect took this opportunity to develop a natural setting that would continuously evolve and adapt. Native vegetation has replaced traditional turfgrass and winding pathways now lead through slight ecosystem changes that reflect microclimates within the site’s various hydrological zones.

The character of the park has led it to become a pioneering design that allows for greater connections to nature. A variety of animal silhouettes are located throughout the park, which encourage visitors to get off the paths and into the landscape. An informational sign located at an overlook point lists the animal species and serves as a guide to find all the hidden creatures. Other signage describes the plant communities and how they adapt to changing conditions.

The park has become a destination for nature-based schools that use the space regularly as an outdoor classroom. The local beekeeping organization visits the site to observe how native plant species promote populations of native bees and other pollinators. No costs are associated with entry to the park.

Details

Design Firm
Pland Collaborative

Project Managers
Greg Miller

General Contractor
AUI Construction

Subcontractor
Sequoia Landscape

Budget
$470,000

Start Date
May 2014

End Date
July 2015

Funders & Supporters

  • City of Albuquerque
  • Dave Simon, Director Parks and Recreation Department
  • David Flores Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Department
  • Laurie Firor Division Manager Parks and Recreation Department
  • Wilson and Company Lead Civil Engineer

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Program

ConnectByNature Therapy Services

ConnectbyNature Therapy Services provides programs to promote biophilic health™ and optimize child development by fostering a deep connection between children and nature.