Las Vegas Park in Portoviejo Serves as Symbol of Post-Earthquake Renewal

Las Vegas Park, an architectural project designed by Gustavo González Galarza, was completed in 2018 in Portoviejo, Ecuador. The park occupies 107,000 square meters along the right bank of the Portoviejo River in the city center. Its construction followed the devastating earthquake that struck the area in April 2016, marking a period of transition and recovery for the community. The project is viewed as an emblem of the city's ongoing rebirth. On weekends, the expansive green areas host family gatherings, celebrations, and various cultural activities, both planned and impromptu. The design team included Nelson Vidal and Tiago Ortega, with Gustavo González serving as lead landscape architect. Engineering and consulting involved specialists in geology, structural, electrical, hydraulic, and environmental aspects: Aleksandr Khachatryan, José Vázquez, Joel Alcívar, Víctor Vera, and Johanna Ochoa. Photographs of the project were taken by Carlos Palacios, and the curation was handled by Valentina Díaz. The park's role extends beyond recreation, symbolizing resilience and community revitalization after natural disaster.