The Huerta Sandoval Community Plaza began as a local government initiative to improve public spaces in this Santa Ana neighborhood, home to approximately 1,500 families, with the dual purpose of promoting proper waste management and strengthening social cohesion. Through participatory workshops with residents of all ages—including children and seniors—the community’s priorities were identified, and key historical and cultural elements central to its identity were preserved. The final design encompassed three public areas and incorporated street furniture and landscaping co-created with residents, which were validated through community consultations prior to implementation.

The construction phase took place through collaborative workshops focused on building, painting, and planting, which actively involved the community in transforming their surroundings. The project resulted in a community plaza, a mural created by neighborhood children using plastic bottle caps, and a garden—three elements that, together, strengthened the sense of belonging and the social fabric of Huerta Sandoval.