ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The City of Albuquerque is expanding access to gym space for youth sports teams by making additional community center facilities available for practices.
City officials say several community centers will begin offering designated weekly practice times as demand for youth sports facilities continues to grow throughout Albuquerque.
The initiative is being led by the Department of Youth and Family Services and is designed to make better use of existing public facilities while providing more opportunities for young athletes to train and compete.
Under the new system, teams will apply for gym time through a lottery process intended to distribute available practice space fairly among organizations.
According to city officials, practice slots will be assigned in two-month increments, with a new lottery conducted at the end of each period to allow additional teams an opportunity to use the facilities.
“We are going to be doing a lottery process. That way it’s fair to everyone,” said Cristin Chavez-Smith with the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Youth and Family Services.
The city currently operates about 10 community centers with gymnasiums, though only four facilities are available during the week for youth sports practices.
Officials say the expanded access reflects the city’s effort to maximize existing public resources while responding to increased demand for youth recreation programs.
