Where Construction and Community Intersect: Los Altos Softball Complex Voted Nation’s Best Of 2024

According to Parkscore, Albuquerque’s park system has climbed 22 spots since 2021 on their annual ParkScore Index, a quality ranking of parks in the 100 largest cities in the U.S. Now ranked 15th, sitting just below New York, San Francisco, and Boston, Albuquerque’s park system has long been a point of pride for Burqueños.

The city maintains and manages a massive roster of 290 parks. Surpassing 22 ranked cities in four years and leaving cities like New Orleans, Atlanta, and San Diego in the dust underscores our city’s dedication to creating enriching park experiences for our community.

The Rise to Prominence is not Accidental

For years, even decades, the Albuquerque city government has focused on collaborating and planning with architects, civil engineers, general contractors, and communities to drastically improve the park system.

An example of this ongoing effort is the renovation of one of the city’s most beloved and frequently visited parks — the Los Altos Softball Complex.  

Launched 60 years ago, nestled into Northeast Albuquerque, Los Altos was in need of upgrades. The phased renovations for the client, The City of Albuquerque, would impact not only citizens but also the future economy of Albuquerque. A recent economic phenomenon that government officials were counting on was amateur sports tourism, a trend that typically leverages a City Lodger’s Tax to improve infrastructure that attracts tourists, and their tourism dollars while upgrading the infrastructure and facilities that impact the lives of citizens.

The phased renovation of this 32-acre park has been one of Jaynes’s recent — and most meaningful — community collaborations. Jaynes was involved as lead contractor in the renovation of the park’s softball fields, pedestrian access, and parking. The project reoriented playing fields and added an extra field. The fields were made to regulation size with fences at 300 feet, easily converted to a girls’ softball configuration at 200 feet. New buildings included a community center, bathrooms, concession stands, covered spectator bleacher seating, a large shade structure with a picnic area, an updated irrigation system, and new fencing. A centralized pedestrian promenade connecting the park’s east and west sections and adding 240 native trees, a water fountain, and perimeter security fencing were also project elements. Veteran players dealing with dim and aged lighting were especially enthusiastic about the installation of new energy-efficient field lighting.

The economic impact of sports tourism on a city can be wide. Increased revenue for local businesses, job creation at event venues and in the hospitality and transportation sectors, and increased infrastructure development are the “first ripple” effects of sports tourism. But longer-term benefits include increased community pride, improved civic unity, and tourism promotion opportunities that attract future visitors. Think of summer visitors coming back to New Mexico in the winter for skiing and snowboarding up north.  

Construction of the Los Altos Softball Complex Phase 1 was completed by Jaynes in July 2023 amid rave reviews from players, teams, and park visitors. The renovated facility soon delivered the economic benefits of sports tourism to Albuquerque.

A proof point of the park’s success at attracting sports tourists was the inaugural Land of Enchantment Softball Championships in June 2024, run by Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) and sponsored by the Albuquerque Sports Commission and Visit Albuquerque. Albuquerque’s Park and Recreation Department was also instrumental in helping attract and then support the tournament. SSUSA sanctions softball tournaments and championships throughout the world and unites a community of more than 1.5 million men and women over 40 who play senior league softball in the United States.

Originally planned for 40 teams of players and their families from across the U.S., the tournament ultimately drew 60 teams and over 1,500 visitors. Hosting amateur sports events attracts visitors like these senior softball players who spend money on accommodation, dining, transportation, and entertainment during their stay. The tournament visitors not only saw some good ball games but also experienced the natural beauty of Albuquerque and New Mexico.

“I was in awe of how beautiful the Los Altos complex is,” said SSUSA Tournament Director Felix Mendiola.

In a press release on the reopening, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said “The promise of Albuquerque is in full swing at Los Altos, and our investments into improving our parks and facilities are helping to create ideal spaces for local and visiting families. Los Altos Park is a generational staple, and the new renovations not only make it safer, but they ensure the park will continue to be a vital connection point for future generations.”

“This is a huge win for the city, a home run for sports tourism in Albuquerque, and the revamped Los Altos Park with these beautiful new fields, you know, it’s already paying off for the city,” said Dave Simon, director for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Construction and Community Often Intersect

Since 1946, Jaynes and our employees have enthusiastically participated in many projects that have improved quality of life, sense of community, and the local economy. Jaynes CEO Shad James mentions “… sometimes a project is more meaningful than just getting it done on time, safely, and under budget. Our employees work and live in Albuquerque, and helped renovate this city landmark that they can point to and know that it will live on for another 60 years in their city, benefiting the community.”

Albuquerque Parks and Recreation estimated that around 20 similar tournaments will be held at the Los Altos complex in 2024, potentially more in future years.

The popularity of senior softball may not be so surprising, but the economic impact of the sport on cities is. A recent interview with Terry Hennessy, CEO of Senior Softball USA, revealed that “… we do economic impact reports on our tournaments for our sponsors. Of the 90-plus tournaments we scheduled in 2023, SSUSA generated approximately $164,000,000 in additional tourist revenue for the cities our teams and their families visited.”

The 2024 Land of Enchantment Softball Championships was the newest tournament for SSUSA. SSUSA was so impressed with the renovated complex and local support that they immediately contacted city officials and signed up for two more years of hosting the event at the Los Altos Softball Complex.

SSUSA mentioned that their players enjoyed competing at the five-field complex and that the beautifully groomed fields, large and covered dugouts, sparkling restroom facilities, and plenty of shade for fans and players alike were a huge hit.

For the Jaynes project team, especially rewarding was Senior Softball USA awarding the Los Altos Softball Complex their 2024 Complex of the Year designation.

Fran Dowell, SSUSA Executive Director, stated that “… an event of this size does require coordination with sponsors, volunteer organizations, local businesses, and city government. Albuquerque’s Sports Commission, Visit Albuquerque, and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department all collaborated to create a truly wonderful event at the Los Altos Softball Complex. But the quality of the facility itself was just as incredible and that’s why it won our Complex of the Year award. The facility and the local support are also why we plan on coming back.”

Jaynes played a critical role in this project as our BIM department contributed drone surveillance over the project site to coordinate the layout in a tight area. Jaynes Structures, Inc. provided self-performed services of concrete and millwork including sidewalks, curbs, gutters, building foundations, shade structure foundations, and casework/cabinetry for the kitchens and community areas.

Non-softball Phase 2 renovations of Los Altos Park are currently underway and include the addition of a competition-quality BMX Pump Track, an upgraded off-leash dog park, additional shade structures, and a children’s play area. Further enhancements of pedestrian paths and vehicle roadwork are also included in Phase 2, which is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024.

For more about all things softball in Albuquerque, go to the Albuquerque Parks and Rec website.