Tingley Park makeover finished

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The wait is over Albuquerque's Tingley Park is open again returning recreation to the area and adding an element of flood control from the Barelas neighborhood.

Mayor Martin Chávez threw out the first ceremonial pitch Tuesday morning on one of the parks new softball fields.

New grass and playground equipment has also been installed.

The renovation project was created to prevent flooding in Barelas.

The park was actually lowered by 4 feet and includes a large drainage pond that can hold millions of gallons of runoff.

'This is now a first-class amenity for all of Albuquerque," Chávez said.  "And of course first and foremost it starts here in Barelas, but this facility is for every Albuquerquean"

The total cost for the Barelas project is $8.2 million.

KRQE | Web Producer:  Bill Diven