Expansion project begins at Joan Jones Community Center

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Nine years after the completion of the first phase of a westside community center, construction on phase two begins Thursday. The Joan Jones Community Center near the corner of Central and Atrisco has been closed several times over the last few years.

Along with the celebration of the upcoming construction, they also remembered Joan Jones herself, a beloved member of the community. “I was driving right down the street and she came out in the middle of the street, and she stopped me. Joan came out and she just literally got in front of my police car and she said stop. And I’m like ‘Ok, what’s going on?’ I got out and said ‘Are you ok?’ And she says ‘Yes, I just want to make sure that I know the officer who’s patrolling this beat,” says City Councilor Louie Sanchez.

The expansion will cover 7,000 more square feet, including more meeting space, a fitness facility, and a mini gym.

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