Consensus Planning has supported the phased design and construction of Vista del Norte Park over many years—helping to shape a vibrant community space that serves the growing Albuquerque soccer community, neighborhood families, and visitors during the annual Balloon Fiesta. Our Landscape Architecture team played a key role in multiple phases of the park’s evolution, including the design of parking areas, turf fields, a large playground, a dog park, and most recently, the tot lot.

The tot lot transformed a once-underutilized, sloped triangle of land into a dynamic, engaging play space for young children. The design embraces the natural topography, incorporating interactive elements like boulders, gabion walls, and drought-tolerant plantings that invite climbing, seating, and sensory exploration. Nature-inspired features—including logs, tactile vegetation, and a wet sand area—encourage imaginative, hands-on play. Gentle slopes form small hills for toddlers to safely explore, and the tiered terrain provides informal seating with views of the surrounding park and the Albuquerque skyline. It’s also a great spot for watching hot air balloons during the Balloon Fiesta and throughout the year.