Renovation work at Calderón Park in central Cuenca has reached 41% completion, with crews finishing work this week in the second construction section between Luis Cordero and Mariscal Sucre streets.
The project involves a full upgrade of the park’s flooring, electrical systems, lighting, sound infrastructure, and accessibility features.
Workers are removing the park’s old tile surface, which city officials say had reached the end of its useful life and became slippery and dangerous during rain. The replacement surface uses non-slip andesite stone intended to improve safety for pedestrians.
The renovation also includes new electrical wiring, updated lighting, sound systems, and tactile paving designed to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Officials overseeing the project said the work is moving according to schedule and emphasized that the renovation is being carried out with attention to the park’s historic surroundings.
One completed section includes the area along Sucre Street where the hemicycle and plaque commemorating Cuenca’s UNESCO World Heritage designation are located.
Construction is now preparing to move into the third quadrant of the park, located between Luis Cordero and Simón Bolívar streets. That section includes the park’s roundabout area, which is frequently used for cultural events and local art activities.
Authorities said temporary fencing and partial pedestrian restrictions will continue as work advances through the four planned construction sections. Traffic around the park is expected to remain open during the project, though some short-term disruptions may occur during material deliveries and construction work.
The full rehabilitation project has a contract period of 210 days and an investment of nearly $800,000.
Residents have generally responded positively to the renovation. Some say the improvements are already making the historic center more attractive for both locals and tourists.
Calderón Park is one of Cuenca’s most visited public spaces and serves as a central gathering point near the city’s cathedral, municipal buildings, restaurants, and cultural sites.