Hustle and Bustle Along the Highway in Playa del Carmen

[Lisa Love Juliot]

There has been plenty of hustling and bustling along the carretera federal these days.  New construction has been going on for quite some time now with the new overpass being completed and now....

The new Liverpool department store being constructed across the highway, not far from the entrance to Playacar and Sam's Club.  The store coming along nicely and the parking lot area is being expanded and cleared.

The sidewalk/bike path along the highway connecting Playacar to Xcaret is very near completion.  This will be a great advantage to workers and leisure bike riders alike, providing a safe way to travel along the carretera.

 

The workers are now about a kilometer or so from the entrance to Playacar and at the rate they are going they will be finished in no time!

 

 

A new park area has been constructed under the highway overpass.  I have
always thought that hanging out under highway overpasses was for the homeless, motorcyclists caught in the rain and/or teenage delinquents, but
this new park has definitely changed my perspective!  It is a creative
use for an otherwise overlooked space and not only does it give the
community a place to play and gather, it also provides shelter from the rain for
bus riders and gives tired shoppers a place to regroup while the children burn off their extra energy.

 

The entire area is connected with pedestrian crossings and bicycle paths.  There is a playground in the area in front of the McDonalds and the Chedraui Grocery store.

 

The baskeball/volley ball courts are located in the very center of the park area and will be officially completed on August 18th, the inauguration will be held at a later date.

 

 

There is a skate park with a ramp and rails to ride on each end of the park area.

 

A large open seating area is the perfect size for gatherings and small street theater affairs is located close enough to the ball courts that it will make a great place to celebrate victory for the winning teams.

There is even a work out area attached to the ball courts area for locals to train and better their game. 

What do you think of the changes along the carretera?  Will the park cause problems between cars and pedestrians?  Or will this be the new hot place for locals to congregate in family oriented and sports activities?  Will you be shopping at the new Liverpool?  How about riding your bike to Xcaret from Playacar, are you up for it? 

 

Lisa Juliot Google +