Tingley Field Park

The Good: Two baseball diamonds/​fields, very well maintained, plenty of seating for visitors; this is one of the best places to enjoy a day or night at the park in ABQ if you play or cheer. Plenty of parking. Huge playground supports kids of all sizes, with the usual slides and swings, plus a few interesting structures for those who prefer to imitate monkeys. Total shade coverage; one of the only spots in the metro area which is good year-​round. Wood chips. Bonus: Intermittent animal noises from the zoo, such as giraffe and howler monkey, pepper the soundscape.
The Bad: Not much to complain about here. The occasional teenager can be spotted being truant/​breaking the law/​doing what I did when I was that age. Bonus: Intermittent animal methane wafting through the air. The adjacent school can crowd the area at times. Here’s one: your kid doesn’t want to be here. There’s a freaking zoo across the street. Duh.
The Verdict: This is a really nice resource that showcases Barelas and the city itself. The covered picnic area is a terrific spot to throw a mid-​summer birthday party or get together. Check it out, for sure.