April 14, 2026
Bernalillo County, NM – The County Commission this evening passed the introduction of a Financial Resolution budgeting $184,818 to be used to support improvements for Dolores Huerta Gateway Park located in the South Valley.
The Community Services Division currently has nearly $720,000 for the upgrades and the amount approved filled the gap for completion of Phase 3.
“The Dolores Huerta Gateway Park has become a jewel in the South Valley,” says Vice-Chair Frank Baca. “The site has become home of the weekly Friday night South Valley Market events which includes a farmers market, arts and crafts, food and live entertainment.”
“Our staff has been working closely with South Valley Main Street and members of the community to determine what further amenities are needed.”
Phase 3 will include reconfiguring the drainage pond native grass area on the eastern portion of the park into a playing field with blue grass turf sod. This are will also function as seating for market related performances in warmer months.
Other improvements include drainage upgrades and landscaping that includes more trees for shade, appropriate fencing/screening of functional drainage areas and additional lighting for evening events.
In 2016 the Commission passed a resolution that added redevelopment projects in the community using TIFs, a tool under the Metropolitan Redevelopment Act, that makes use of growth in property tax revenue within a designated redevelopment area to fund infrastructure improvements.
Construction of Phase 3 is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2026 with an estimated completion in mid-2027.
The South Valley Market events start on June 12 and run through October 16, except for July 3.
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About Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.