Bernalillo County is inviting everyone to celebrate 25 years of its Open Space program—a journey filled with nature, history, learning, and community connection. A special celebration will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gutiérrez-Hubbell House Open Space, located at 6029 Isleta Blvd. SW. This event is free and open to all families.
What’s Happening at the Event?
This community celebration will be full of fun activities for all age groups. There will be tasty food, live music, guided tours of the historic house, and engaging hands-on educational activities. Visitors will get to explore the story of Bernalillo County Open Space—how it started, what it has achieved, and what’s coming in the future.
The Beginning of Bernalillo County Open Space
The Gutiérrez-Hubbell House is a special place where this entire journey started. Back in 1999, local residents came together to save this old adobe house and the farmland around it from being turned into housing or commercial projects. Their hard work, along with voter-approved taxes in 1998 and 2014, helped the county buy the land and officially start the Open Space program.
This program was created to protect land and make it available to the public for education, farming, and recreation. Since then, it has grown a lot, thanks to strong support from the community.
Growth and Achievements Over 25 Years
Today, Bernalillo County Open Space manages 17 properties covering almost 1,200 acres. These include popular spots like Carlito Springs, Ojito de San Antonio, Bachechi Open Space, and areas near Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge and Tijeras Canyon.
Over the years, the program has added more than 50 yearly programs and events, such as outdoor classes, internships, land care activities, and farming workshops. These events help people connect with nature, learn about the environment, and enjoy local history and culture.
Voices from the Community
Mari Simbaña, who works as an Open Space coordinator, said, “Our work is about protecting important places and helping people connect with them. Whether it’s a nature walk or a workshop, our goal is to keep these areas welcoming and meaningful.”
District 2 Commissioner Frank Baca also shared, “Open spaces in Bernalillo County help protect the natural beauty and culture of our communities. They connect us with our roots and inspire the next generation.”
A Rich Past and Bright Future
The Gutiérrez-Hubbell House, built in the 1840s, is now a protected historic site listed in both the State Register of Cultural Properties and the National Register of Historic Places. It continues to be a community hub for cultural events and learning in the South Valley.
As Bernalillo County Open Space marks 25 years, the community is invited to celebrate how far it has come and look ahead to the future.
The 25-year journey of Bernalillo County Open Space is a great example of what communities can achieve when they come together. With the support of residents, local leaders, and nature lovers, this program has grown into something truly special. It offers learning, peace, and adventure to everyone, young and old. So, if you’re near the area, don’t miss this wonderful celebration on May 3—it’s a great way to connect with nature, history, and your community.
