Changes

|facilities=interactive fountain, waterfront promenade (under construction), traffic loop with parking, wireless Internet (planned), event terrace

|mapcode=<googlemap lat="30.402778" lon="-87.213002" zoom="17" width="288" height="288">30.402408, -87.21296, Plaza de Luna</googlemap>

[[Image:PlazaDeLunaRendering.jpg|thumb|left|Artist's rendering of Plaza de Luna]][[Plaza de Luna]] is a waterfront park overlooking [[Pensacola Bay]]. Located It is located at the southern terminus of [[Palafox Street]], by the [[Palafox Pier]] development, on the site of the former [[Bayfront Auditorium]], which was demolished in July [[2005]] following damage from [[Hurricane Ivan]], the $3 million project was funded jointly by the [[Community Redevelopment Agency]] ($2.1 million) and [[FEMA]] ($800,000).

==Construction==The park features an $3 million project was funded jointly by the [[Community Redevelopment Agency]] ($2.1million) and [[FEMA]] ($800,800 foot promenade ideal 000). On [[June 22]], [[2006]], the City of Pensacola voted to name the new park for fishing and sunset viewing[[Tristán de Luna y Arellano]], whose [[1559]] expedition near Pensacola was America's first European settlement.

On 22 June 2006, the City of Pensacola voted to name the new The park for was designed by architects [[Tristán de Luna y ArellanoHatch Mott MacDonald]], whose and [[1559Sharpe, Inc.]] expedition near Pensacola was America's first European settlementthe general contractor.

Construction was substantially completed in January [[2007]], after which the fountain at the north end of the park was installed. The park was formally dedicated on [[November 16]], 2007, the same day [[Wikipedia:Republican Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2008|Republican presidential candidate]] [[Wikipedia:Fred Thompson|Fred Thompson]] held a rally there. ==Amenities==Plaza de Luna is laid out around a driving circle with 40-56 parking spaces available on-site, including 4 handicapped spaces. The centerpiece, at the northern entrance, is a "fountain courtyard" where children may play in the interactive water jets. Two commemorative plaques, including the original dedication marker from the [[Bayfront Auditorium|Municipal Auditorium]], are attached to the fountain's brick sitting wall. The park also features an 1,800-foot promenade for fishing and sunset viewing, and a "sunset terrace" and amphitheater sits on the southwest corner where small gatherings or performances may be held. A private [[Palafox Pier]] marina is located on the park's west side, but visitors may walk along the marina's breakwater. A docking port is located on the east side for visiting ships. Public [[Wikipedia:Wi-Fi|wireless Internet access]] is planned, but not yet implemented. A non-profit organization called [[Celebrate Pensacola]], in collaboration with [[Fiesta of Five Flags]], has sought funds to built a 55-foot statue to [[Tristán de Luna]] in time for Pensacola's [[450th anniversary]] celebration. The statue, which would consist of a 9-foot sculpture atop a 44-foot monument, is estimated to cost $700,000. The groups have asked county and city governments for $150,000 each, with the additional $400,000 raised privately, but the [[Pensacola City Council]] has delayed their decision until other options are presented.<ref>Mark O'Brien. "Fortunately, some council members stand tall against bad statue idea." ''Pensacola News Journal'', November 16, 2007.</ref> ==External linksRental==*The city makes Plaza de Luna available for rental for private receptions, concerts and festivals. The fees (subject to taxes) are $100 for groups of up to 100, $250 for groups between 101-500 people, and $500 for larger, "festival"-sized groups. Public liability insurance is required, and the public access to the park's perimeter must be allowed throughout the events.<ref>[http://www.cicityofpensacola.pensacolacom/live/pages.flasp?pageID=7133 Park rental information]</ref> ==Images==<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">Image:PlazaDeLunaRendering.usjpg|Pre-construction rendering of Plaza de Luna</gallery> ==References=={{refbegin}}*[http://www.cityofpensacola.com/live/pages.asp?pageID=5915&deptID=1368 City of Pensacola factsheet2983 CRA info page]{{refend}}{{reflist}}