ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Coronado Park’s past isn’t pretty, but leaders from the City of Albuquerque are inching toward a new start for the embattled park.

Two-and-a-half years ago, Albuquerque Fire Rescue announced plans for a new station and training center at the park. The total cost is about $15 million.

As of now, AFR is still waiting on a final $3 million from the New Mexico Legislature. While they wait, they’re enlisting a local artist to help bring some beauty to it.

From owls to a dragon to balloons and more, including an old school fireman, Mark Chavez is transforming some 100-year-old elm trees into art.

“It’s just a cool way to honor the past and then, hopefully, something’s going to signify what the station brings to in the future,” Chavez said.

Chavez calls himself a self-taught artist who always accepts a challenge. His work can be found all across Albuquerque, from the bosque to the BioPark.

“Ever since 2000, this place has not been the same. So hopefully we can bring some of that back and it can be a sense of pride for this neighborhood and the people that it serves,” he said.

If lawmakers approve the final $3 million for the Coronado Park project, crews could break ground on the facilities before the end of the year.