This story originally ran on VeloCityOKC.com.
A groundbreaking ceremony for a new multicultural outdoor plaza in Capitol Hill’s historic Calle Dos Cinco will be held on January 15 at 1:30 p.m. at We the People Consulting, located at 228 SW 25th Street.
“The city is proud to work alongside Capitol Hill and bring resources to this project that has been discussed for two decades,” said Program Planner for Neighborhood and Commercial District Revitalization Shannon Entz. “Oklahoma City’s Hispanic community deserves to be celebrated and have a beautiful space they can call their own.”
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a transformative $2 million project funded by a combination of federal funds allocated to the City’s Strong Neighborhood Initiative (SNI), a program that works with residents to develop and implement strategies for community improvement over five years, promoting neighborhoods across Oklahoma City.
The plaza, located on Harvey Avenue between SW 24th Street and SW 25th Street, will be built near Templo De Alabanza and local businesses. The design of the plaza is inspired by traditional Latin American outdoor gathering spaces and will feature Talavera tiles, colorful artwork, a welcoming arched entry, a gazebo stage, seating areas, decorative lighting, trees, removable bollards and other elements that reflect the neighborhood’s rich Hispanic heritage.
Alongside the plaza, construction will begin on a new trail spur that will link the plaza to Wiley Post Park. This trail will provide residents with better access to park amenities and enhance the connection between local neighborhoods and green spaces.
“The plaza is our family, friends and neighbor’s gathering spot,” said Gloria Torres, executive director of the Capitol Hill Business District. “Whether from a Latin country or just the other side of town, the plaza will make you feel welcomed and at home.”
The plaza is expected to open in August and will be managed by the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District.
