Sierra Sunset Park

Sierra Sunset Park is a 6.8-acre recreational space located in Southwest Albuquerque, New Mexico. Situated at Amole Mesa and Messina SW, the park was designed to provide much-needed recreational facilities for families in the area.

The park features two innovative playgrounds catering to different age groups: one for children aged 2-5 years and another for those aged 5-12 years. These playgrounds integrate trees and shrubs with traditional equipment, creating natural shade and offering a unique playing experience for children.

A significant portion of the park, approximately 4.8 acres, consists of a large open grass area suitable for practices and games. The park also includes walking paths, allowing visitors to enjoy strolls through the green space.

Sierra Sunset Park serves a dual purpose as both a recreational area and a storm water management facility. It includes a basin designed to catch storm water after heavy rains, functioning as a surge pond if the storm drainage system backs up. This design helps keep clean water on-site to infiltrate back into the aquifer, demonstrating the city's approach to combining park facilities with environmental management.

The park's landscaping is notable, with 280 new trees planted throughout the area, providing shade and enhancing the natural beauty of the space. Picnic tables are available for visitors who wish to enjoy outdoor meals or gatherings.

Completed in 2013, Sierra Sunset Park was funded through a 2013 GO Bond, with a total cost of $1,329,637. The park's design and construction involved collaboration between the City of Albuquerque, local officials, and design consultants to create a space that meets the community's recreational needs while also serving practical environmental purposes.