The $17M makeover of historic Horton Plaza Park is nearing completion and will open May 4 with a public celebration. Opening weekend includes a dedication ceremony and two weeks of “Plaza Play” and “Plaza Unplugged,” when visitors can play games and attend concerts and performances.

Downtown San Diego’s newest outdoor venue includes an amphitheater, three retail kiosks and an interactive fountain. Located at Fourth Avenue and Broadway, the 1.9-acre park has been under construction for the past five years, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Calling the new park “a true civic treasure,” San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer says he's looking forward to celebrating the park opening with the entire community.

The new park is the result of an agreement between Westfield Corp, which operates the adjacent Horton Plaza mall, and the city. Westfield demolished a Robinsons-May store in 2012 and agreed to sell the site to the city in exchange for ending a profit-sharing arrangement with the city at Horton Plaza’s parking garage. Westfield has agreed to operate and manage the park for 25 years and has rented the park kiosks to cover costs. [SDUT]