Small Pocket Park Plan Aims to Revive Downtown Belen
City leaders and neighborhood groups announced a plan December 5 to build a pocket park in downtown Belen designed to add benches, lighting, landscaping, and public art to a vacant lot. The project is funded through a mix of grants, local government contributions, and private donations, and organizers say it will activate the Hub City, support local businesses, and expand equitable access to public green space.
City officials unveiled a neighborhood driven plan December 5 to renovate a small vacant parcel in downtown Belen into a pocket park intended to serve residents, workers, and visitors. The proposal calls for new seating, improved lighting, drought tolerant landscaping, and public art or wayfinding elements to create a safe, welcoming space in the Hub City core. The project combines public funds and private support, drawing on grant awards, municipal contributions, and community donations to cover design and construction.
Officials described the intention to make the pocket park a daytime and evening destination, improving pedestrian comfort and sightlines along the commercial corridor. Neighborhood associations and downtown business owners have been involved in planning, providing input on features that would make the space usable for small community events, pop up vendors, and casual gatherings. Stakeholders emphasized that modest streetscape investments can increase foot traffic for nearby shops and restaurants while making the downtown feel safer for families and older residents.
The estimated timeline sets construction to begin in spring 2026 with phased work intended to be complete by late summer 2026. Initial site preparation will address accessibility and storm water runoff, followed by installation of paving, benches, lighting, and landscaping. Public art and wayfinding elements will be installed in collaboration with local artists and cultural organizations. Project managers expect short term disruptions to parking and sidewalks during construction, and city staff plan to coordinate with businesses to minimize impacts.
Public health and equity concerns are central to the proposal. Small urban parks have been linked to improved mental health, increased physical activity, and lower local temperatures during hot months. For Belen residents who lack backyard space or live in higher density housing near downtown, the pocket park will provide accessible outdoor respite and a place for intergenerational interaction. The city frames the project as part of broader efforts to invest in downtown infrastructure that benefits small businesses and supports community well being.
Residents who want to volunteer, contribute, or learn more are encouraged to contact the City of Belen Parks and Recreation Department or reach out through the city website for information on donation options and volunteer sign up. The initiative reflects a local effort to turn modest public investment into a shared civic asset for Valencia County.
