“Parks and playgrounds are the soul of a city.” – Marty Rubin

The summer season is in full swing, and if you find yourself near Wells Park or Phil Chacon Park—both located in the City of Albuquerque—you’ll hear the joyful sounds of children playing and families gathering. The laughter and energy will lift your spirits, and the impressive features of these newly renovated parks might even inspire you to join in the fun.

The transformation of these parks came from a series of in-person meetings with longtime residents of surrounding neighborhoods—some with roots stretching back generations. The goal? To blend forward-thinking ideas with deep respect for each community’s unique history and traditions.

Mark Chavez, a fifth-generation Albuquerque resident, certified arborist, and former Associate Director of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, came out of retirement to lead these projects as Central New Mexico Manager for Exerplay. The recreation solutions company provides playgrounds, sports equipment, bleachers, safety surfacing, aquatic play features, and more across New Mexico and beyond.

“Exerplay has been in business since 1991 and is a great company,” says Chavez. “We’ve handled projects both large and small across the state. Safety is our foundation—our salespeople stay up to date on all guidelines and standards.”

Exerplay partners with Landscape Structures, an industry leader in innovative playground design. Their goal is to create spaces that spark creativity and invite everyone to play—because play is only as limitless as a child’s imagination.

Initial planning began with landscape architects who developed concept designs, which were then shared with the community for feedback. Once ideas aligned, the physical transformation began.

Chavez emphasizes that these projects wouldn’t have been possible without strong leadership from Mayor Tim Keller, City Council members, funding partners, and the enthusiasm of local families. “It truly takes a village,” he adds.

Though many people think of playgrounds as just the equipment, equal care is given to the layout, landscaping, and community spirit they foster.

“It’s not just a park or place—it’s about people and bringing them together,” says Chavez.

Wells Park: A Community Reimagined

Wells Park was expanded to double its original size with a $7.4 million investment. The renovation included sustainable landscaping, new irrigation systems, and the planting of 144 trees. Features like bike racks and a repair station pay tribute to Albuquerque’s Esperanza Bike Shop. Long communal tables were added to encourage picnics, family gatherings, and neighborhood celebrations. Interpretive signage tells the story of the park and its surrounding community.

Wells Park now includes a dog park for large and small breeds, multi-use sport courts, a food truck plaza, and a cutting-edge playground designed by Exerplay. The Hedra Tower—the tallest play structure in the city—features twin circular slides and stands at 27 feet. It often draws lines of adventurous climbers, including enthusiastic parents and teens. Add in pickleball courts, a roller derby loop, and vast green spaces, and you’ve got a haven for play and relaxation for all ages.

Traditional parks are often broken into sections for specific age groups—infants, toddlers, and elementary-aged children. But Chavez notes that teens aged 13 and up are often overlooked. Wells Park addresses that with the addition of the Health Beat Fitness Center: a multigenerational outdoor workout zone with equipment offering the same benefits as an indoor gym.

Phil Chacon Park: A Tribute and a Treasure

Located in the International District, Phil Chacon Park honors the memory of Officer Phil Chacon, an Albuquerque Police Department officer who died in the line of duty in 1980. The 20-acre park recently underwent a $9.7 million revitalization. New features include climbing ropes, turf sport fields, upgraded playgrounds, futsal and basketball courts, a BMX pump track (one of just two in the city), a dog park, and winding walking paths. An additional 350 trees have been planted to provide future generations with much-needed shade during New Mexico’s hot summers.

Design details at Phil Chacon reflect the neighborhood’s spirit and cultural diversity. A dragon-themed play structure and elements inspired by traditional dragon dances celebrate the area’s vibrant heritage. Even the colors of the equipment were chosen with care to avoid overwhelming the youngest park-goers.

For Chavez, inclusive design is about more than accessibility—it’s about connection.

“Inclusion means different things to different people,” he explains. “We design to meet the needs of all visitors, but the most important goal is to make sure kids can play together. That’s what true inclusion looks like.”