First phase of ambitious historic district park project will be completed by the end of the year

The first phase of Parque La Libertad will open to the public at the end of the year, according to the Cuenca planning department.

Liberty Park observation tower.

“This will be the most impressive and most emblematic park in Cuenca when it’s completed,” says Mayor Marcelo Cabrera. “It will provide badly needed green areas to El Centro, as well as tourist and social facilities in a part of the historic district that has been neglected for many years. It’s a facility that we will all be proud of.”

With a budget of $7 million, the project is the largest financial investment in new parks and public green areas in city history.

The park will occupy the site of the old Cuenca jail, just south of Av. Heroes de Verdeloma, as well as adjacent property purchased by the city, and will be built in two phases. When it’s completed, the park will provide green areas, projected at 80% of the total area, and public meeting facilities, a theater, craft shops, a restaurant, and a seven-story observation tower.

Pablo Abad, Cuenca coordinator for planning and construction, says the park is part of the city’s “green belt” which will consist of parks and public green areas. “Compared to other cities our size, according to UNESCO, we have a deficit of green space and public spaces in general. Parque la Libertad is a step to remedy this,” he said.