Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Once a kaleidoscope of color and community spirit, El Parque de los Azulejos (Lázaro Cárdenas Park) has fallen into disrepair. Its heart – the intricate tilework that once shimmered under the tropical sun – now bears the scars of neglect.
Natasha Moraga’s vision, unveiled in 2018, transformed the ordinary into extraordinary. Benches and planters, once mundane, erupted in a riot of hues that drew tourists and locals alike. It was a place of solace, a canvas for the imagination. But time, or perhaps a more malicious force, has begun to unravel this masterpiece.
The park has become a canvas of neglect, its vibrant spirit muted by the encroaching tides of time and indifference. Where once a symphony of hues danced across benches and planters, a mournful palette of chipped and missing tiles dominates. Each fragment is a missing piece of a community’s shared dream.
A chorus of discontent has arisen from residents and visitors. Finger-pointing has ensued. Some blame the reckless abandon of skateboarders, their wheels grinding against the fragile artistry. Others see the handiwork of vandals, a senseless desecration of public beauty. Regardless of the culprit, the Tile Park’s decline is a haunting reflection of a community’s waning stewardship.
More than just a park, El Parque de los Azulejos is a symbol of Puerto Vallarta’s soul. It is a testament to the city’s embrace of art, culture, and the beauty of shared spaces. As its splendor fades, so too does a piece of the city’s spirit. Urgent action is imperative to restore this iconic gem to its former glory before it is lost forever.