Looking toward the Escondido Civic Center from the north end of Maple Street Plaza.
After my weekend visit to the Museum at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, I walked south to check out Maple Street Plaza. This “festival plaza” joins the area around the Escondido Civic Center to the historic old business district along Grand Avenue.
On a Sunday afternoon the place was surprisingly empty. When I reached the plaza’s south end, I noticed that Grand Avenue, which appeared to have many vacant old storefronts, was similarly quiet.
Maple Street Plaza, built in 2012, struck me as a very handsome place, but in need of more life. There are beautiful benches, tables and seats, trees and an interactive fountain, which was off. If I had wanted to purchase a sandwich or ice cream or cup of coffee to enjoy in the plaza, I didn’t see any obvious place nearby where I might go. Perhaps I missed something.
Set in the paver blocks at my feet I discovered interesting brief descriptions of Escondido and its history.
A very beautiful blue mosaic tile bench curls like a river of water in Maple Street Plaza.Another look at the sculpture that serves as a bench. You can see a fountain (that was off) beyond it, and the oak tree at the center of the plaza in the distance.A 100 foot flagpole was in the middle of the street at Grand and Broadway from 1927-1944…Excerpt from 1887 article in Escondido Times extols the virtues of the Vale of Valleys.Escondido Creek begins above Lake Wohlford and flows more than 26 miles to San Elijo Lagoon.Escondido was established as a dry town even though vineyards were plentiful.More attractive places to sit in Maple Street Plaza.A fine setting in Escondido on a sunny, very quiet Sunday.Escondido, which means “hidden” in Spanish, is often referred to as the Hidden Valley.Standing by an oak tree at the center of Maple Street Plaza looking north.One of two interesting tables I spotted near the south end of the plaza. A cool abstract design unites the tabletop and seat. (The other nearby table was occupied by someone who appeared to be homeless.)Sidewalks were installed on Grand Avenue in 1905 and the street was paved in 1912.A bench near the south end of Maple Street Plaza on Grand Avenue.Plaque on the bench indicates it’s For the Citizens of Escondido. Escondido East Rotary.A welcoming gateway sign arches above the south end of Maple Street Plaza in downtown Escondido.
…
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.
View all posts by Richard Schulte
4 thoughts on “A walk through Maple Street Plaza in Escondido.”
Your city does such amazing things with mosaics in its public art.
I am surprised you didn’t find the great gelato place that is right on the side street off of Grand….you should have used Google!
And as for find Maple st empty … think as I’m everything else in life, timing is everything. Grand Ace come to life at night with great restaurants… and news ones filling those vacant store fronts even with COVID slowing the amazing redevelopment the street has had.
Cool San Diego Sights! 
Your city does such amazing things with mosaics in its public art.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve noticed that, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am surprised you didn’t find the great gelato place that is right on the side street off of Grand….you should have used Google!
And as for find Maple st empty … think as I’m everything else in life, timing is everything. Grand Ace come to life at night with great restaurants… and news ones filling those vacant store fronts even with COVID slowing the amazing redevelopment the street has had.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m afraid I missed it! I’ll have to go again at a different time!
LikeLike