Jardin de las Esparanzas

Jardin de Mesquite is a small urban park located at the northern gateway of the Mesquite Historic District in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Situated at the corner of Spruce Avenue and Tornillo Street, this pocket park serves as an entrance to one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.

The park's most notable feature is a series of eight large tiled murals, each measuring 6 feet by 8 feet. These murals commemorate the history of Las Cruces, depicting historic events, landmarks, and the multicultural settlers who shaped the area. The artwork was created by students from the Court Youth Center/Alma d'arte Charter School under the supervision of artist Ken Wolverton. The murals were crafted using images from actual photographs provided by residents of the neighborhood, offering an authentic visual representation of the community's past.

Jardin de Mesquite was developed as part of a community effort to preserve and celebrate the rich history of the Mesquite District. The park provides a serene space for reflection and serves as an educational resource, allowing visitors to learn about the area's heritage through its visual storytelling.

The park's design incorporates elements reminiscent of traditional Spanish and Mexican architecture, including adobe-like walls that enclose the space. This aesthetic choice helps to maintain the historical character of the surrounding district.