Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — The Mayor of Isla Mujeres officially launched the construction of the new Turquoise Sea Lookout on the island. In a press conference Wednesday, Mayor Atenea Gómez Ricalde announced the start of construction in Garrafón, Isla Mujeres.
“I have always said that public spaces should belong to the people and today, this lookout represents, in addition to a victory for the people, an act of social justice for the island’s residents,” Atenea Gómez Ricalde said Wednesday.
She stressed the importance of the project, saying that it addresses the need to organize traffic in the area as well as improve safety and strengthen the municipality’s identity.
She says the construction project is taking place within the existing right-of-way to ensure that the space remains public and accessible to everyone.
Atenea Gómez emphasized that the construction of the viewpoint will add to the existing tourist corridor in Isla Mujeres, which already includes the Punta Sur Sculpture Park, the Malecón Caribe (Caribbean Boardwalk), home to the majestic sculpture of the Island Woman, and soon, the Mundaca Hacienda.
She said her administration has worked diligently to protect public spaces, whether on the beaches or in tourist sites like the Garrafón viewpoint near Punta Sur.
She recalled that the space was initially reclaimed thanks to the efforts of many island residents, business owners and taxi drivers who refused to lose the view point of the bay, something that it will continue to belong to the people.
“Since the beginning of our administration we have been working to reclaim this and other public spaces, street corners and rights-of-way,” the mayor stated.
“I would like to add that today, this project is part of the Municipal Government’s vision, focused on improving public spaces, strengthening the social fabric and creating spaces that enhance the lives of island residents.”
During her Wednesday press conference, Mayor Atenea Gómez explained that the project will include general cleaning, the construction of a 266.1-square-meter pedestrian walkway, the installation of 14 LED light poles and a 24-square-meter deck, as well as improvements to parking areas.
A photo opportunity with the letters spelling out “Isla Mujeres” will also be installed, reinforcing the destination’s identity and providing a landmark for visitors.
