ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque's forest in the middle of the city is going under construction. The city says it's launching new work to restore parts of the bosque near one of its busiest areas. Crews have now closed off the parking lot on the west side of the river to repave it, and it' s just one of many projects happening in the area over the next year. "It will be, jewel here in New Mexico. I think it'll make a big difference in the development of our city as we grow," said Senator Antonion Maestas, D-Albuquerque. That jewel could be what comes out of new improvements on a popular area of the Bosque between Central Avenue and Avenida Dolores Huerta. State leaders like Senator Maestas have been advocating for this area to be restored. "My dream is to turn the Bosque into our central park where it's accessible to families and children, not joggers or bird watchers," said Maestas. City of Albuquerque shares plans for a new park along old stretch of Central Ave. The latest work starting this week is being funded with more than $1 million in state capital outlay that was earmarked for the Bosque. Crews are now resurfacing the Bosque parking lot near Sunset Drive. Later this year, they'll make other upgrades to river access for boating, along with adding more picnic tables, benches, and signage. While continuing with taking out some vegetation. The Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department said it strengthens wildfire mitigation. "These projects are designed to improve recreation access for families as well as improve wildlife habitat by removing non-native species and encouraging the growth of native plants in the Bosque," said Dave Simon, Parks and Recreation Director. The city said they are also partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to remove some structures in the Bosque that have been in place for decades. "Also, as part of restoration, we're focused on trying to remove things like jetty jacks, which were large metal structures placed in the Bosque for flood control back in the 40s and 50s," said Simon. The city is hoping most of the smaller projects, including the new benches, signs, and picnic areas, will be done by the end of the year. The resurfaced parking lot should be complete by Monday. The city has just begun planning on its work to remove the jetty jacks. They're expecting that project to take shape by fall 2026. ...read more read less