Google Plus now needs to update its online photo of La Retama Park, which now sports a new look and feel, upgrading downtown Corpus Christi. Courtesy Photos
The makeover of La Retama Park in downtown Corpus Christ is complete and beautiful. A star-shaped gravel area radiates out from the center, with greenery in between. The park boasts new signs and paint as well.
La Retama Park is bordered by Peoples Street to the north and North Mesquite to the east. Over the decades, the site has hosted a fire station, a city hall and, lastly, a library before the building was torn down and the space converted into a park.
Heavy event usage, including the monthly First Friday ArtWalk, had begun to wear on the park's grounds. City voters approved a bond in 2012 for park improvements. Of that, $75,000 was set aside for the downtown park. The Regional Transit Authority provided an additional $70,000, while the Downtown Management District, which puts on the ArtWalk, added $20,000. The ArtWalk, which moved to nearby downtown streets during renovation work, will return to the park soon.
The central core of stabilized granite, similar to what is used on walking trails. has a base similar to a paved road so it can handle the weight of small vendors and tents.
A local group of park supporters, the Friends of La Retama, were instrumental in the design process, mainly making sure the park retained some greenery.
“The park is a hub of activity,” said Anthony Gavlik, a co-founder of Friends of La Retama. “I like that you can be in downtown Corpus Christi, in this dense walkable community, and find this little slice of natural shade. Natural shade is hard to come by in Corpus Christi.”
The little park is the big heart of the downtown area, continued Gavlik, who works at a nearby engineering firm.
“It’s a natural gathering place,” he said. “It offers a nice respite from an urban landscape.”
