Tiguex Park is being transformed into New Mexico’s first outdoor science classroom through a groundbreaking partnership between Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque and the city’s Parks & Recreation Department.
Nine permanent educational installations focusing on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) concepts began installation this week and will be completed by the end of September. The $500,000 project aims to create unique learning opportunities that connect the park to two adjacent science museums while encouraging families to spend more time outdoors.
“Not all classrooms have four walls,” said PRD Director Dave Simon. “Tiguex will be unique in New Mexico, setting a new standard. A visit to this park will spark more curiosity and learning.”
The diverse installations include a reflection tower, sculptural structures illustrating the sky, a scale model of the Sandia Mountains, two soundstones, wind turbines, a solar system model and exhibits demonstrating fractals—complex geometric shapes found in nature. The exhibits are designed to promote exploration of shapes, numbers, patterns and geometry while emphasizing local geography, culture, and materials.
The project emerged from community input gathered during listening sessions that revealed neighborhood families’ desire for more outdoor, screen-free, multi-generational learning experiences.
“We were able to base this exhibition on community listening sessions and neighborhood families’ interest in spending more time outside, off-screens, and engaged in multi-generational learning,” said Explora Co-Executive Director Joe Hastings. “We’re excited for everyone to visit soon.”
Funding for the initiative came from a $250,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which PRD matched with an additional $250,000. The concept originated in 2019 when PRD first proposed using the park to teach STEAM concepts.
The installations are designed to be inclusive and accessible to visitors of all abilities.
“There’s so much of the Explora environment that can be translated to the outdoor environment,” said Elizabeth Forster of the Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network. “I particularly love anything that encourages creative problem solving and multiple ability entry points.”
Beyond the physical exhibits, hands-on activities will be available through Explora’s website and the adjacent museums to enhance the park experience. The new installations will complement Tiguex Park’s existing amenities, including green spaces, sports facilities, performance areas, and community gathering sites.
The project represents part of PRD and Explora’s broader “Family Science in Tiguex Park” initiative, designed to increase free STEAM learning opportunities integrated directly into neighborhoods. Installation crews began work on Aug. 11, with the full outdoor classroom expected to open to the public by October.