Puerto Rico is continuing its push to transform its waterfront areas across the island.

Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla inaugurated Saturday the new facilities of Malecón Salinas, a new seafront promenade that maximizes the view of the coast by opening and redefining the adjacent public space.

The revitalized facilities include two small urban parks, three kiosks for merchants, a platform for artistic performances, more accessible sidewalks, recycling stations, new benches, public baths and a better system of potable water.

“With the renovation we have completed today the La Playa community is stronger and more attractive,” said Garcia Padilla. “It is better able to attract visitors to its restaurants, its marina, its inns and its other businesses. Where once there were ruins, squares and parks today we invite you to stop and look– they are the prelude to the sea that had remained hidden.”

This boardwalk is one of seven other coastal projects in which the government has invested $26 million in order to boost economic development on the island.

“These waterfronts and beach towns suffered the hard onslaught of deterioration, loss of opportunities and pessimism,” said Garcia Padilla. “Today we see in them a transformation; an opportunity for our people to create businesses and jobs.