Albuquerque BioPark wants community input on major revamp of Children’s Fantasy Garden

The Albuquerque BioPark is set for a major renovation of the Children’s Fantasy Garden at the Botanic Garden. 

After over 20 years of providing a space for families to explore and create memories, the garden will be reimagined to improve accessibility, upgrade infrastructure, and enhance creative and learning opportunities.

Community involvement will be central to shaping the new vision. 

The BioPark is asking for ideas from its members, patrons and, especially, children through a variety of interactive engagement activities—both in person and online. Planned outreach includes a community survey, pop-up booths at the BioPark, sessions at BioPark Summer Camps, and hands-on materials like Drawing Kits that invite children to design their own dream garden.

 Visit bioparkchildrensgarden.com for updates and opportunities to have your ideas heard. Formal public input will be accepted until early fall and the BioPark will continue to share updates and progress throughout the project. 

“Our goal is to honor what people love about the Fantasy Garden while creating a more inclusive and inspiring environment,” said ABQ BioPark Associate Director Matthew Peterson. “We’re inviting the community to help shape the next chapter of this special place.”

The project team will also use the redesign effort as an opportunity to promote informal STEM education. During community events and summer camps, children and families will meet professionals involved in the project—including urban planners, landscape designers, civil engineers and artists. These interactions will highlight the diverse careers behind the scenes and help spark interest in STEM fields through real-world examples.

The project will be led by a team including local firm Dekker, engineering consultants Bohannan Huston and immersive arts organization Meow Wolf. According to the City of Albuquerque, this collaboration brings expertise in landscape architecture, civil engineering and experiential design, aiming to create a vibrant and inclusive space for all ages.

“The Children’s Fantasy Garden has been a magical spot for Albuquerque kids for decades,” Mayor Tim Keller said. “As a dad whose own kids light up every time we visit the BioPark, I look forward to reimagining this space for future generations—and we want the families who love it to help dream up what comes next.”