Phil Chacon Park — Attraction in Albuquerque

A LOT of homeless people set up camp here, usually along the fence to the base. While we see kids here during the warm months, I would highly recommend keeping an eagle eye out for needles, as addicts that come through this park, have no concept that CHILDREN play here. There is an old, dirty playground equipment, so be careful of the sharp edges. There is sand around the equipment, but again, watch out for needles. The basketball court is alright, as the hoops are old, and the nets are nonexistent, along with the volleyball court, which is overgrown with weeds, and spoilers alert, watch out for needles in that sandpit. If you want to play, you'll need to bring your own net, or pretend? I think the best thing about this park is the cut through to the Veterans Memorial (although homeless people are taking that area over too.) The walking path is also cracked, and old. It's really sad that the children in this area are subjected to possible needles punctures, and being watched by these people setting up camp here. I would not recommend staying past sun down, as drug exchanges ramp up...

i lived in the neighborhood growing up until I was 13 when my family moved to the East mtns. Before moving my mother and I went for a walk in the park, (then it was all weeds with a jogging track and trails we rode are bikes on) while walking she broke the news that we were moving out of ALB. away from all my friends. She asked me if I was to be able to decide how the park could be developed how would I design it. I explained how I seen it in my mind, with grass and a skateboard park with trails of concrete for bikes and skateboards and how I would leave a small section of the park undeveloped except for a dirt track to take go-carts and dirt bikes and not get in trouble. Returning over 20yrs later was a powerful experience seeing the envisioned come to a reality was like no other sight seen to prove to me that GOD is real. thank you to those that brought that vision to...

[UPDATE] So, I have visited the park several times after its renovation and I have to say, I'm impressed! New children's play equipment, new concrete paths, a remodeled baseball field, benches and fences. There is easy access to Caesar Chavez community center too. The park looks welcoming and comfortable, I enjoy stopping by there to rest between walks/runs.

While there is still the occasional unwashed borderline-feral vagrant sleeping under a tree, the park is large enough that you don't have to deal with them. The city and APD seem to be doing a good job keeping the pickle and uric acid scented walking shadows from setting up camp there. Bravo! A shame the neighborhood around the park still looks like a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Hopefully this is the start of more renewal projects for our...