San Juan Mayor Miguel A. Romero Lugo inaugurated the renovated Josefa Fontán Park, known as "La Merced," in Hato Rey on Monday, following a $5,041,169.45 investment to repair damage from Hurricane María and make additional improvements. About 86% of the funding ($4,333,340.46) came from municipal ordinary funds and other sources, while the remaining 14% came from FEMA.
Romero Lugo said the renovation gives Hato Rey back a space that has long been part of community life, calling it safer, more accessible and better equipped for children, youth, seniors, athletes and families. Improvements included repairs to the basketball court with new lighting, poles and hoops; upgrades to the soccer field including new lighting, fencing, gates, bleacher improvements and a new accessible sidewalk; and repairs to the tennis court, where additional surface work continues before its reopening. The community center received a full rehabilitation of its roof, windows, doors, bathrooms and floors, while outdoor areas got landscaping, lighting, electrical, sidewalk, parking and stormwater drainage upgrades.
The project also added security cameras and emergency buttons, along with work to meet applicable accessibility requirements.