4:00pm | A long-awaited public park and plaza will make its debut this weekend when the Promenade Square next to 1st Street in downtown Long Beach is officially opened on Saturday. The grand opening will begin with a ribbon cutting at 10:00am followed by the dedication of the public art plaza.

The site will bring much-needed green space to the concrete landscape in downtown Long Beach. The park is part of a three-year, $11.7 million effort to renovate The Promenade that included new housing developments and landscaping. The area will be open to the public for small parties or larger celebrations in the future. Saturday’s opening will include a yoga session at 6:00pm and a showing of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” beginning at 8:30pm.

“We are excited and proud to share this new asset with the community,” said Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Amy Bodek, in a press release. “Infill projects like this are vital to enhancing the urban fabric of great cities, and this is no exception.”

The Promenade Square will feature new lighting, a copper water wall, performing arts stage and public art installation “Aerial Plaza” by artist Carl Cheng, who also has work displayed throughout Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

“I know I speak for many residents downtown who’ve been waiting anxiously to celebrate the opening of Promenade Square,” said Councilmember Suja Lowenthal. “Public spaces are where we relate to each other, recharge our spirits and build a sense of community, so I am excited by the potential for this space to serve residents and businesses.”

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