Creating a downtown destination: $118M restoration planned for Margaret T. Hance Park

Chances are you've driven through the Deck Park Tunnel on Interstate 10. Some of you may use it every day, but for the past two years, there's been a lot of behind the scenes work dedicated to the park that sits on top of the tunnel.

Margaret T. Hance Park is about to undergo a major renovation -- one that will turn what was once a public eye sore into a downtown destination.

Under the plan, the park will be divided into three sections: the Valley on the west end, the Canyon in the middle and the Plateau east of Central Avenue. A lot of work and money is still needed before these plans can become a reality.

Planning first began in 2013. An advisory panel received input from local neighborhoods, community organizations, cultural institution and event planners. A master plan was unveiled in 2014.

The Valley will be family oriented and include shade, water features and a zipline. The Plateau will have a performance area, sculpture garden, outdoor lawn area for events, a food truck plaza, beer garden, exercise structures, dog parks, skate park, and free wi-fi. The Cloud will cover Central Avenue with a giant landmark -- a solar canopy, which will provide shade, use solar power and capture rainwater.

$118 million in public and private funding will need to be raised.

Online: www.hanceparkconservancy.org