Community Corner

Lemon Grove Set to Celebrate Main Street Promenade Grand Opening

The city's long-awaited linear park is a big player in efforts to revitalize the downtown corridor.

"Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" is finally here and now in Lemon Grove as the city gets set to officially open its new public space at the Main Street Promenade.

Bringing together elements of the past, present and future in a pastiche of pioneer modernism, the city's long-awaited linear park is set to become the biggest player in efforts to revitalize the downtown corridor. Amble along a winding path, watch tots scamper in a play area featuring a red, mosaic tractor, or sit and watch the lulling motion of a windmill as the breeze blows it back and forth—there are many comfortable ways to wile away the hours and enjoy the best climate on Earth. 

But that's not all. The Lemon Grove Trolley Depot has also undergone modernization, and Citronica One is complete. Built by Hitzke Development, the five-story mixed-use building offers thousands of square feet of brand-new retail space, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for low-income residents, and serves as visual anchor at the east end of the promenade.

The Main Street Promenade was designed to evoke Lemon Grove’s agricultural, civic and educational history, said Helen Ofield, president of the Lemon Grove Historical Society.

Local artists Robin Brailsford and Wick Alexander created the "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" theme, which incorporates installations, an energy-generating solar tree and wind spire, a tractor slide, mosaics honoring the city's citrusy history, seating, and a windmill. 

Ground was broken on the city centerpiece 14 months ago, but the idea was years in the making. The $5.1 million project was paid for with grants from the state infill infrastructure program, smart growth initiative funds awarded by SANDAG, and the city's redevelopment agency monies.

The grand opening celebration is slated for 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. The Main Street Promenade is located at the trolley station, where Lemon Grove Avenue and North Avenue intersect. 

Festivities include Carlos Villatoro Flamenco, Michael Govert Break Dancers, Ballet Folklorico en Azatland and Phoenix Band with Ed Watt. The program starts at 4:15 p.m. with remarks and a ribbon-cutting by Mayor Mary Sessom followed by the performances, Ofield said.

There will be children's games with hula hoops, jump ropes, bubble blowing and whistling, and free cookies and lemonade will be served to all.

Local service clubs, the school district, youth groups, churches, and the Lemon Grove HEAL Zone will also be on hand. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here