Groundbreaking for North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center takes place; when will it open, how much will it cost?

Could the Northeast Heights of Albuquerque raise the next Michael Phelps or Katie Ledecky?

That’s the hope of state Rep. Marian Matthews, D-Albuquerque, regarding the North Domingo Baca Aquatic Center.

At a Wednesday groundbreaking, Matthews was joined by other state, city and county officials, including City Councilor Brook Bassan, whose district will be home to the multimillion-dollar facility. Bassan said she is “really excited and motivated” to mark the new year with a groundbreaking.

“Really, thank you to the public, the families, the students, for not giving up on this project” the District 4 councilor said. “Voters have approved it multiple times. They really wanted to see this happen … even if it’s taken about 20 years, we’re here and it’s finally happened.”

Since Bassan was first elected in 2019, she has championed the aquatic center — the “last piece to the puzzle” of North Domingo Baca Park. Bassan picked up the torch from former District 4 Councilor Brad Winter; all in all, the project has taken almost two decades to turn dirt.

A team of dignitaries, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Mayor Tim Keller and state representatives and senators marked the occasion with ceremonial shovels. Bigger machinery dug out trenches behind them.

The center will be home to the city’s second Olympic-size pool. The other is located on the other side of town at the West Mesa Aquatic Center.

The two-story building will house three water areas: the Olympic pool stretching 60 meters; a diving well, connected to the main pool but still usable during meets; and a heated therapeutic pool. Up to 850 spectators will be able to sit in the building.

“That’s many, many more than we could currently accommodate at the West Mesa Aquatic Center,” Parks & Recreation Director David Simon said.

Simon said he anticipates high demand for the facility for high school swim meets, although the aquatic center also could be used for regional swimming competitions and even Olympic qualifiers.

For anyone hoping to catch a tan, there will be an outdoor lap pool, as well as a play area with slides and other recreation features.

The bidding process for construction will open next week. After 30 days, a contractor will be selected to start an approximately 18-month construction phase. It’s yet to be determined if the indoor or outdoor pool will be built first.

The total estimated cost is $56 million to $58 million; the expected cost has jumped by several millions since August.

Almost $50 million is currently available, a Parks and Recreation spokesperson said. Phase 0 — foundational work including the building of a $5 million retaining wall — is already underway.