Grand Opening of Downtown Park Set

Residents welcome at Oct. 21 Grand Opening and Community Celebration for new Downtown Park, featuring ABBA Tribute Concert

PALM SPRINGS — A grand opening ribbon-cutting and community celebration will be held Thursday, Oct. 21 to mark the completion of the city’s new Downtown Park on Museum Way and Belardo Road adjacent to the Forever Marilyn sculpture.

It’s all brought to residents by the city of Palm Springs and our Measure J tax dollars.

The event begins at 5:30 pm, just prior to VillageFest, with opening remarks from the City Council, Nona Watson, CEO of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, park designer Mark Rios and his team from the Los Angeles-based design firm RIOS, officials from Fast Track Construction, the chairs of the Measure J and Parks and Recreation commissions, and other local officials.

In addition, the Chamber of Commerce will host a free mini-Taste of Palm Springs with local restaurants in the park beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by an original 6 p.m. Halloween pooch costume contest on the new event stage, presented by the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Categories include: Funniest, Most Creative and Best Overall. Bring your four-legged friend to the park by 5:30 p.m. to register. Youth games and activities will also be available, presented by Palm Springs Parks and Recreation and the Palm Springs Public Library.

The celebration is set to take off into the stratosphere at 6:30 p.m. with a spectacular two-hour free tribute concert celebrating the tunes of legendary Swedish pop band ABBA, performed by the well-known tribute artist band ABBAFab.

The new 1.5-acre park features shady palm trees, benches, a water feature, the new event stage with seating, public restrooms, and a downtown substation for the Palm Springs Police Department.

“The City of Palm Springs is absolutely thrilled to invite our residents to join us in celebrating the completion of our new downtown park,” Mayor Christy Holstege said in a prepared statement “The City Council has long envisioned the park as a wonderful venue and central hub for arts, culture, relaxation and enjoyment for residents and visitors alike. We can’t wait for our Palm Springs community to begin using and loving this fantastic new amenity in the heart of downtown.”
For more information, visit www.palmspringsca.gov.