Cervantes Plaza is a small but well loved neighborhood park adjacent to Freeport Blvd. Situated just north of City College, the park is surrounded by locally owned businesses, while residents use Cervantes for games of frisbee, enjoying a picnic, and many other casual activities.
In 2012, the City Council approved a project to reduce the number of traffic lanes on Freeport Blvd while improving the road with dedicated bike lanes. The Freeport Bike Lanes project will be constructed in the summer of 2016 but it sparked a question of what to do with an odd frontage road and uncommonly long crosswalk between Cervantes Plaza and Freeport Blvd.
The frontage road poses traffic and pedestrian safety issues that must be fixed. The Freeport Bike Lanes project provided us with the opportunity to fix the safety hazard and improve the park itself. After discussion with neighbors, community associations, and surrounding businesses, the City is proposing to expand the park westward while adding a sidewalk, paved walking arch, two benches, additional trees and landscaping, and possibly a piece of artwork that was formerly in the Downtown Plaza Mall.
The new sidewalk and curbs around Cervantes will be constructed this Fall in advance of the Bike Lanes project! We must now finalize our proposal for the added park space and we welcome all community feedback. Tell us what you think of the proposal below, the proposed art piece, and any other thoughts you might have!
Proposed improvements to Cervantes Plaza
Proposed Artwork for Cervantes Plaza
Discussion - 13 Comments
Kristina Swanson
Mar 02, 2015 at 8:59 pm
The plan looks great! So glad the project is moving forward. However, I’ve never been terribly fond of this art peice. Seems better suited for an indoor space rather than a park. But I do think the installation of a peice of art will be a very nice touch.
Jon Marshack
Mar 02, 2015 at 8:59 pm
Both the design and artwork look great. They would improve the park experience and soften the edge adjacent to Freeport Blvd.
Chris Smith
Mar 02, 2015 at 8:59 pm
I like the plan and am pleased to see that art piece back in use.
marc krichman
Mar 03, 2015 at 8:59 pm
Love it. Keep up the good work.
Gordon Isakson
Mar 03, 2015 at 8:59 pm
I am a Land Park resident and love the plans for Cervantes, particularly the proposed artwork. Thank you for doing this project.
Gregory VanAcker
Mar 03, 2015 at 8:59 pm
I love that statue. Can it stand the sun? I’m concerned about the colors. Plaza and extension look good. Like the separate surface for the crosswalk and the street separation.
Debbie Greene
Mar 04, 2015 at 8:59 pm
Hi -
I love the proposed plan for the park – I think it will much improve the look of that nice little green space! However, I am worried about the sculpture. I have been a 3Dimensional Design (sculpture) teacher at Folsom High School for 22 years, and am currently accepting work as a Public Arts consultant for outdoor Artwork. I am very good at predicting which types of Artwork will attract vandalism, and I guarantee this one will.
Previously, this sculpture by Tony Natsoulas – cast bronze “Balancing Act”, was inside of the mall enclosure and protected 24/7. Once outside and unprotected at night – it will be a target. Tony Natsoulas should be contacted to make sure that the sculpture is reinforced enough to withstand a baseball bat or tire iron to the juncture between the heart and the hourglass, because believe me, it will happen.
Good luck!
Debbie Greene
Sharon Gile
Mar 07, 2015 at 8:59 pm
I’ve always loved the art piece but I am concerned about vandalism also.
ART TAYLOR
Mar 15, 2015 at 8:59 pm
I feel, for the most part, the improvements noted are excellent, to include the art work. I would ask for:
1. Diagonal parking on the East side of the park, similar to the North and South Side. That should add approx. 3 spaces, in comparison to the existing parallel parking on the East side.
2. The Bus Stop be re-located, in Front of the Bookstore, on Freeport, so as not to block the view of the park, when parked.
3. The electrical lines on Freeport, park side, be placed underground, for further beautification and viewing of the park.
Hopefully Cervantes will continue to be scheduled for beautification and additional practicality when the ‘FIX FREEPORT’ project is initiated.
ART TAYLOR
Mar 15, 2015 at 8:59 pm
print
Wendy
Apr 08, 2015 at 8:59 pm
I appreciate the efforts to improve the park. It will be nice for neighbors and businesses.
Unfortunately the old Crepe Escape building and the one next to it have both looked pretty bad for a while now. Is there a plan in place to improve these buildings? New businesses?
It would be sad to have our lovely new park sitting next to that mess. But it could be a really fun area with the right new businesses combined with the park and the current businesses.
Steve
Apr 09, 2015 at 8:59 pm
Hi Wendy, a new business is in the process of getting permits to rebuild the old Crepe Escape. They are in final plan check so hopefully we’ll see work begin there soon! Thanks for reaching out and feel free to call my office if you want more information.
Best,
Steve
Wendy
Apr 16, 2015 at 8:59 pm
Thank you for the information Steve.
I leave very close to the area and can’t wait to see a new business start up.