$16 million center opens on West Side after decades of advocacy
The 15,000-square-foot facility in Northwest Albuquerque was named for Conway Wood, who lobbied for the project until his death in 2020.
By Emmanuel Faure ·
The city of Albuquerque opened a $16 million community center on Tuesday, marking the end of a long campaign led by a local advocate who died before the project was completed. The Conway Wood Northwest Multigenerational Center is located at the intersection of Cibola Loop and Ellison Drive. It covers 15,000 square feet and is designed to serve children, adults, and seniors in the Northwest Albuquerque area.
Conway Wood spent decades lobbying local leaders to build a senior center in his neighborhood. His sons stated that he was also instrumental in constructing two other senior centers in Cortez, Colorado, and Mena, Arkansas. Wood died in March 2020 at the age of 95 while fundraising for the local center was still underway. Bob Wood, his son, said, “He loved people, he loved everybody. He advocated for this the last part of his life.”
The new facility includes a classroom, a fitness room, a small computer lab, and a large gathering space. During the opening event, educators demonstrated available programming for seniors. These activities included a chair Zumba class and a hula demonstration. David Wood, another son of the late advocate, remarked, “If only he could be here to see it.”
The project has a long history in local politics. West Side City Councilor Dan Lewis noted that the city began acquiring property in the area in 2012, during his first term. To date, the construction has cost $16 million in state and city funding. Mayor Tim Keller said the city plans to add more classrooms, a kitchen, and a gymnasium once additional funding is secured. Lewis expressed hope that the surrounding acreage will eventually support the development of a pool and a library.
City leaders paid tribute to Wood’s personal style during the ceremony. Lewis, Keller, and other officials wore straw fedoras, a nod to Wood’s habit of wearing a bolo tie and hat. The group gave a collective hats-off salute to honor the late advocate. Lewis added, “We’re excited about dedicating this facility to Conway and seeing it filled for many years to come.”
