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Prescott Promenade Renovation
On February 23, 2010, the City Council approved the Plans and Specifications for the Prescott Promenade improvement project. Construction began at the end of April 2010 and is scheduled to be completed by early July. (weather and equipment permitting). Fences have been erected around the Promenade, with pedestrians directed to use Claydelle and Magnolia Avenues as alternate routes. During the renovations nearby stores and restaurants are still open with easy access for your shopping and dining pleasure!
The Prescott Promenade improvements include new pavement and energy-efficient lighting. This new lighting will produce a brighter whiter light and give a greater projection to allow the illumination of the park to a higher public safety level, but will permit users of the park the option to dim the lights during special events.
Additional improvements include: a new high-efficiency code compliant irrigation system, new benches, low-water turf grass, shrubs and trees. The existing concrete circular stage will be removed and replaced with a flat concrete space that can be used for portable stages. The removal of the concrete stage will also provide level space for tables and chairs when the space is not used for concert purposes. The new stage area will have a large canvas sail that will provide shade.
The proposed project will include the completion of the downtown traffic signal work at Main Street and Magnolia Avenue, replacement of the traffic signal at Civic Center Way, and the streetlight at Sulzfeld Way. In front of Prescott Promenade a small billboard is in place that shows an artists’ rendition of what the Promenade will look like when the work is complete.
Careful planning and design went into this proposed project to ensure that pedestrian, landscaping and lighting elements flow from the Public Safety Center to the public library. These proposed improvements also present the Prescott Promenade as a showcase destination for future events in the East County. The Classic car shows, Concerts on the Green, and the Mother Goose Parade will have the added benefit of utilizing the new park for special events like farmers markets and craft fairs. The Recreation Department, together with the downtown merchants can plan larger events that attract more people.
The proposed project is designed to complement the previous and planned improvements to the downtown, the Public Safety Center and City Hall. This proposed project takes into account the anticipated goals, policies and objectives of the future downtown specific plan by allowing more public space and will greatly enhance El Cajon’s Downtown area.
The planned Prescott Promenade improvements will add another upgrade to the downtown area. The estimated cost for this project is approximately $1.1 million and will be completed using Redevelopment Funds. No General Funds will be used for this project. With recent and planned improvements, the downtown area is undergoing an exciting transformation.
Monica Zech
Public Information Officer
City of El Cajon
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