Tingley Beach
Encyclopedia
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, USA, located south of Central Avenue on the east side of the Rio Grande
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes...
. It is part of the Albuquerque Biological Park
Albuquerque Biological Park
The Albuquerque Biological Park is an environmental museum located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It contains four separate facilities:...
complex. The series of ponds, originally known as Conservancy Beach, was built during the 1930s by diverting water from the Rio Grande
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes...
and later renamed in honor of Clyde Tingley
Clyde Tingley
Clyde K. Tingley was a U.S. politician who served as the 11th Governor of the State of New Mexico. He was a children's healthcare advocate.-Biography:...
. After the beach was closed to swimmers in the 1950s, it was used primarily for fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)awarded Tingley Beach with the '2008 North American Conservation Award'.
Tingley Beach was thoroughly renovated starting in 2004, and was reopened to the public in November 2005. The facility features fishing ponds for adults and children, a model boating pond, paddle boats, nature trails, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a narrow-gauge railroad connecting Tingley Beach with the Rio Grande Botanic Garden
Rio Grande Botanic Garden
The ABQ Biopark Botanic Garden is a botanical garden located located at 2601 Central Avenue NW in Albuquerque, New Mexico, beside the Rio Grande. The garden showcases plants of the Southwest and other arid climates, and includes a conservatory, formal themed gardens, and a demonstration garden...
, Albuquerque Aquarium
Albuquerque Aquarium
The ABQ Biopark Aquarium, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States is a facility of the Albuquerque Biological Park and is located next door to the Rio Grande Botanic Garden. The ABQ Biopark Aquarium exhibits Gulf of Mexico saltwater species from a variety of habitats, including surf...
, and Rio Grande Zoo.