Albuquerque BioPark breaks ground on revamped Dreamland garden

The ABQ BioPark held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for a revamped Children’s Fantasy Garden, marking one week since the old garden closed its doors. The new garden, to be known as “Dreamland,” will build on the existing space rather than replace it, city and BioPark officials said.

“It was really time for a refresh, some new renovations and new ideas to really reinvigorate the space,” said BioPark Associate Director Matthew Peterson.

The ceremony featured colorful powder bursts in place of traditional shovels. Hilma Chynoweth, director of Albuquerque’s Arts & Culture Division, said the project carries forward work meant to last.

“We are not replacing the old experience; we are building on it and creating new opportunities for discovery and play. There’s something powerful about building something that can be passed from one generation to the next.”

Planned features include a rainbow pathway, a troll forest, and a giant pumpkin reimagined as a giant geode. BioPark officials said they brainstormed ideas for the last year and incorporated public input gathered through design charrettes.

“We got over 1,500 community responses about what they wanted to see in the new garden through those different design charrettes and other opportunities; we embraced those and fit them into the redesign,” Peterson said.

The garden will keep its medieval theme. The dragon at the entrance will stay, though Peterson said it “may take on a new color and new elements to welcome people back to the garden.”

Other current features, including the giant ants, will be retired and repurposed across the Botanic Garden as the Children’s Fantasy Garden takes on a new look. Mayor Tim Keller said the project is meant for the next generation.

“We’re gonna have a lot of fun on the adult side and the kid side as we put together this special place really for the second time, for the next generation.”

Construction is expected to be finished in about a year. Funding comes from a combination of public funds and private donors.