La Ciudadela Park to undergo major rehabilitation

La Ciudadela Park is set for a major overhaul, with authorities promising that the project will be more than a cosmetic fix. Planned work includes renewing benches, rehabilitating green areas and improving lighting at the emblematic park near Balderas in Mexico City's Historic Center.

Carlos Cervantes Godoy, general coordinator of the Historic Center Authority, said officials are also assessing whether to replace the park's flooring, increase security and reorganize informal vending in the area. "It is an important intervention. It is not makeup, it is not something superficial," he told EL UNIVERSAL.

Officials are currently discussing the proposal with local residents. The evaluation will feed into a preliminary design and a full project that will determine the resources required. Cervantes Godoy said the investment is expected to be substantial, although no figure has yet been estimated.

The funding will come from the Secretariat of Public Works and Services because the Historic Center Authority does not have enough money to carry out the intervention. La Ciudadela is one of 14 public spaces included in the first package of planned projects, alongside plazas and gardens including Plaza Loreto, Plaza Santo Domingo, Plaza Garibaldi, Jardín Tolsá and Plaza Tlaxcoaque.

The park is bordered by Emilio Dondé and Balderas streets, Plaza del Danzón and Biblioteca México. Dance teacher Daniel Rodríguez described it as badly deteriorated, citing rubbish, dangerous flooring and unpleasant conditions around the benches. He also said he has had verbal disputes with people living in camps in the area. Work is expected to start in October.

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It is an important intervention. It is not makeup, it is not something superficial.