What’s the Deal? Ask What Community Centers Can Do For You
Get answers to all the questions you didn't even know you had about Albuquerque's Community Centers.
by Kristin Satterlee
Have you ever passed a community center or maybe voted at one, and wondered what else you can do at these places? Us, too. We’ve heard that they are important community resources, even “the heart of our community.” But what does that really mean? Is this a resource that can work for you and me? We set about finding out the answers to our most pressing questions.
What can you do at a community center?
All kinds of things! Centers host activities ranging from meditation to martial arts, ukulele to yoga, and from hiking and birdwatching to GED classes. Basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and other sports are common offerings. Some are voting centers. Community centers strive to be inclusive, so you may also find activities like wheelchair open gym and ESL classes. And they are air-conditioned, an important feature during the sizzling summer season.
Do they have programs for kids?
They do. Most community centers offer after-school programs, often including pickup from nearby schools. Many offer before-school and/or summer programs, too. These programs generally offer art, games, sports, and field trips. Demand is high, so a “lottery-style” method is used to select participants.
What facilities do community centers have?
This is a surprisingly hard question: Albuquerque has more than 20 community centers, and each is unique. In general, though, expect some combination of a gym/fitness room, computer lab, art/ceramics studio, kitchen, game room with foosball or ping-pong tables, and multipurpose room for classes and meetings—including low-cost rentals for meetings and other events.They may also have outdoor facilities like sport courts, play equipment, and associated parks.
Who runs them?
Albuquerque’s community centers are run by the Community Recreation & Educational Initiatives (CREI) division of the Department of Youth & Family Services. But their offerings are definitely not just for youth. Community centers are run with the whole community in mind, from little kids to elders.
Are they the same as senior and multigenerational centers?
No. Albuquerque’s eight senior and multigenerational centers are run by the Department of Senior Affairs, and their services are focused toward seniors. Senior center facilities are available for folks 50 and up, though some programs are only available when you reach 60 years of age. Multigenerational centers also offer membership and summer programming for youth up to 17.
Where is the community center nearest me?
The city maintains a list and map of all its community centers at cabq.gov/family/crei/community-centers, so you can find the one most convenient for you. The page also includes a table showing which centers have which amenities. The internet can give you an overview, but once you’ve decided what center to try, it’s worth calling or dropping by to learn more about their specific offerings.
What does it cost?
It’s free! Just register for a no-cost membership. (There is a $10 one-time fee for youth programs.) At that price, it’s definitely worth exploring how your local community center can enrich your life.