Los Duranes Community Center

Sheesh, you should'a seen the place before the remodel. What an upgrade!I lived nearly a stone's throw from this Community Center for a good decade, so I have a take on the neighborhood that influences my rating. First, the obvious accolades: This enormous, modern-ish facility offers plenty of the communal goods it was rebuilt to offer. Senior citizens own mornings and early afternoons, and men of all ages crowd the basketball courts later in the day -- when we're not in the midst of a pandemic, that is. There's a game room, lots of meeting rooms, and a good exercise room... which is where they can do better. When our oldest was 16 years of age, she attempted to use the exercise equipment and was told the policy was 18+. The Duranes neighborhood, nearly every block, is classic old Albuquerque planning: very agrarian, incredibly narrow streets, and no sidewalks. Running and even walking anywhere is dangerous. This Community Center offers an exception to that rule, and it should expand its age restrictions.

The Los Duranes Community Center is tucked away directly between the river and the IPCC. It is described as a hidden gem, and that is accurate!Typical of our Community Centers, Los Duranes is open Mon-Sat and offers after-school programs, senior meals, a variety of fitness classes, and an open gym for 18+.My company recently used the community center for an all-day event, and the kids working the desk were attentive and helpful to both our organization and the public. I recommend locals check out what their community center has to offer!