Commemorative plaques unveiled as the historic park moves toward cultural heritage designation
The 59th anniversary of Abelardo L. Rodríguez Park was commemorated September 9 with the unveiling of its original founding plaque and a second symbolic plaque representing the current municipal administration.
The ceremony was organized by the Secretariat of Culture and the Municipal Institute of Art and Culture (IMAC). Culture Secretary Isabel Peredo highlighted the role of local residents who helped establish the park, including Municipal Delegate René Ortiz Campoy, teacher Miguel Jiménez and others who promoted Rosarito’s development as a municipality.
The park opened on September 9, 1967, and was named after General Abelardo L. Rodríguez, who served as governor of Baja California and president of Mexico.
Three days after its inauguration, the Pro-Construction Committee for the General Abelardo L. Rodríguez Municipal Park was established. Funding was raised through public and private contributions, as well as support from families and merchants in what was then the community of Rosarito.
Peredo said the park is included in a catalog of properties being considered for designation as part of Rosarito’s cultural heritage.
She also explained that improvements to the park have been carried out in stages, with the next phase focusing on reforestation. Municipal Urban Services crews are currently preparing the soil, with work expected to bring visible changes to the park within the next two weeks.
“We are going to have a variety of native, low-maintenance plants, as well as lighting, benches and trees,” Peredo said.
During the ceremony, teacher Miguel Jiménez recalled the park’s early years and the work he and his students carried out to reforest the area shortly after it was established. He also shared memories of the park’s history and its importance to the community.
Municipal Secretary-General of Government José Luis Alcalá Murillo said the park has witnessed Rosarito’s transformation over the decades and emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving the site.
“A community that takes care of its history is a community that moves forward with firm steps toward a better future,” he said.
Yolanda Ortiz, daughter of former Municipal Delegate René Ortiz Campoy, who was involved in the park’s construction, unveiled the commemorative plaque during the anniversary ceremony.