ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Five years later, the North Domingo Baca Pool Project in Albuquerque hasn’t been completed.
OpGov.News was curious about the project that was added to the city’s master plan in 2005. The news outlet was able to speak with District 4 Councilmember Brook Bassan.
“The North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center (NDBAC) is in construction and looking great,” Bassan said. “ The natatorium will be constructed first, followed by the outdoor recreation pool.”
Brook Bassan. Photo Credit: National League of Cities
Bassan is passionate about the project and wants to help the community.
“I have made sure this was my top priority for capital projects and spearheaded working with many others to obtain funding and make this request a reality,” Bassan said.
OpGov.News also spoke with Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Director David Simon.
“The current phase of the indoor pool project is projected to be completed in February 2027,” Simon said. “ If all the funding for the indoor pool is secured this year, the City anticipates completion in May 2028.”
David Simon. Photo Credit: City of Albuquerque website.
The North Domingo Baca Pool Project has experienced challenges with funding over the years.
Funding sources include District 4 set-aside funds, voter-approved city GO Bonds, NM state capital outlay, and APS (Albuquerque Public Schools) capital outlay and GO bonds.
Inflation and a $19 million funding gap have also halted production.
Simon said the funding gap occurred because of increased production costs. He highlighted some other challenges and shared them via email.
“Geotechnical site conditions—this has required different engineering techniques and solutions, such as the construction of a large retaining wall and additional stabilization of the foundation,” Simon said. “ Cost escalation—economic conditions that began during the COVID-19 pandemic have affected costs for materials and labor.’’
Bassan proposed an amendment to Albuquerque's operating budget directing the Administration to designate $3 million for the purpose of obtaining and paying a bond, specifically for this project. The amendment was proposed during a city council meeting on May 18.
Bassan said the amendment wasn’t passed, failing on a 4-5 vote.
“Should the amendment have passed, a bond would have been obtained, and final funding for the NDBAC would have been secured,” Bassan said.
In 2005, the goal was to have a 57-acre park for North Domingo Baca Park, which included a designated six-acre site for an aquatic center. The majority of the park has been built, with the pool being the only variable not complete.
Bassan said the actual project began in 2020.
“When I began working on this project in 2020, the estimated cost was $17 million, but that was for a much smaller vision,” Bassan said. “ Constituents had added input and requested that this become a facility serving everyone. This meant changing the project from a single community pool to a natatorium used for competition, therapy, diving, training, and recreation.
“In addition, the request was to build a 60-meter indoor pool rather than a 50-meter pool, allowing for simultaneous diving and lap competitions, while making sure all aspects were up to the latest swimming requirements and regulations.”
Despite swimming being a popular activity, some residents in Albuquerque haven’t been able to enjoy a pool.
A public swimming pool has not been built on the east side (of the Rio Grande) of Albuquerque in nearly 50 years, according to northdomingobacaaquaticcenter.com.
Providing a pool for the community was one of the main reasons the project was greenlit.
“The North Domingo Baca Aquatic Complex, which includes an indoor Olympic-size swimming pool and an outdoor recreational pool, is a major investment in our community that will positively impact the quality of life in Albuquerque and create significant recreation, health/wellness, and economic benefits for the City and State,” Simon said.
The city has numerous projects in the works. Many concern different parks in Albuquerque.
According to the City of Albuquerque website, there is a $100,000 project to Plan, design, purchase, install, equip, furnish, and construct park renovations at Loma del Norte Park in Bernalillo County.
There is also a $400,000 project to Plan, design, construct, equip, and improve the Arroyo del Oso Golf Course and facilities.
North Domingo Baca Park is located at 7521 Carmel Ave.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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