International Fest activates Phil Tone Park with free family activities and youth outreach

City and county officials kicked off family programming at Phil Tone Park as part of International Fest, offering free activities and community outreach designed to draw neighborhood residents and encourage civic participation.

Councilor Nicole Rogers said the newly renovated park’s entire footprint was being activated for the day, including a zipline, a 100-foot jumper, baseball fields hosting a kickball contest, BMX pump tracks, a dog park and a fruit forest. "Everything is free today. So come on out, bring your families," Rogers said, and she noted free food would be available until 4:00 p.m.

Rogers also said the activation was intended to strengthen connections in District 3 and District 6 and to encourage residents to vote, pointing attendees toward the mobile voting unit behind the stage.

Community presenters included Angel, who greeted attendees, and Angela Raglin, who introduced the youth community policing council aimed at ages 14–25 and described volunteer and community-engagement opportunities. Raglin said she would be available at the Albuquerque community safety table to answer questions.

The program moved from remarks into cultural performances, including the Quan Ming lion dancers and other stage activities. Organizers asked attendees to use overflow parking at the Cesar Chavez Community Center if needed and concluded the spoken program as performances began.