City unveils park improvements and public art at Plaza Cervantes

City of Sacramento unveiled improvements made to Cervantes Park on Monday, Nov. 9, 2015 during a ribbon cutting ceremony. The enhancements include new sidewalks, drought tolerant landscape, and a colorful bronze sculpture by the artist Tony Natsoulas called “The Balancing Act, Too”.

In attendance were City of Sacramento Councilmember Steve Hansen, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Executive Director Shelly Willis, Sacramento Artist Tony Natsoulas, College Plaza Neighborhood Association President Don Lockhart, Land Park Neighborhood Association President Ken Mennemeier.

Plaza Cervantes is the first step in a re-imagined Freeport Boulevard. About one year ago, the Land Park and College Plaza communities advocated for improvements to Plaza Cervantes, a historic and much loved neighborhood park just north of City College.

The improvements included abandoning a dangerous frontage road and 220-foot crosswalk parallel to Freeport Boulevard. As part of a collaborative effort, community members and City staff worked together to design a gateway to the College Plaza Neighborhood, and also worked with the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission to relocate Tony Natsoulas’ iconic sculpture – “The Balancing Act, Too” – from the Downtown Plaza Mall to be the centerpiece of the improved plaza.

The next phase of the project will conclude in the summer of 2016, and will further enhance pedestrian access near the busy street. Once completed, pedestrians will be able to safely access the cafes and other retail shops adjacent to the park.