Neighbors for Green Space

Things to Know

"On February 21st, 2007
House Memorial 23 (HM 23 online / PDF) unanimously passed the NM House of Representatives. It asks that UNM create permanent university urban green space at the north golf course.

Four days later, on Sunday, February 25th, we had a Walk to Preserve the North UNM Golf Course. ... We estimate that 800 people attended this event, based on the fact that 700 people signed our petition to the governor in 3 hours. ... Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, County Commissioner Deanna Archuleta, City Councilor Isaac Benton and Representative Gail Chasey all addressed the crowd. An event like this has never occurred in our neighborhood. There was an extraordinary community outpouring of support for maintaining the golf course in its current dimensions. This issue unites people of every political persuasion, social class, age, and ethnicity."

"[UNM's] value does not just come from bricks and mortar and the bottom line. Value also comes from community good will, quality of life, a more natural environment with hundreds of trees, and the space to think and breathe and be at peace. Value comes from preserving a small refuge for animals and migratory birds, and it comes from creating alliances, and building relationships, not tearing them down."

"The time has come to protect and preserve the largest green space in the center of Albuquerque. We ask that you join with us in this vital mission. Today, we have a far more nuanced understanding of our impact upon the earth, and how global warming affects all of us. We know that urban environments create something called a “heat island,” and we know that trees are a vital defense in the fight against rising temperatures. We also know that history will judge our actions. So far, Thomas Popejoy's (Mirage 2005, pp 22-26) vision of a public golf course open to all and excluding none has been maintained for 65 years. This man helped to create the university that we know today, and he stood up to McCarthy. He has a legacy that we must continue to honor.

Also, we know that the land that became the golf course was secured for $1, the labor came from the WPA (Works Progress Administration), and a thousand trees came straight out of neighbor’s yards, including one neighbor named Professor C.N.S. Koch, who might just be related to the current President of the Board of Regents.

Compelling arguments to preserve this pedacito de cielo [ little piece of heaven ] come from both the past and the future. But, for a moment, let me turn to the present. The University receives less than one-fifth of its funding from the State of New Mexico. ... However, if you create a conservation easement from the existing footprint of the north golf course and the barren fairways, the lands to the south and west of the golf course instantly and dramatically increase in value. ... When concern and protection for the environment is included in development, it can yield even more lucrative outcomes than more traditional processes."

"We are all reliant upon you. This is why I hope that your vision will extend to future generations; that you will reach out to your great-great-grand children, and that you will join with us to preserve this magnificent green space for the next hundred years."

Speech to the UNM Board of Regents
March 12, 2007
Dr. Sara Koplik, President
North Campus Neighborhood Association