The Selena Quintanilla-Perez statue located on the Bayfront is one of Corpus Christi’s most visited sites. However, local residents and even out-of-town visitors say the memorial site for the Queen of Tejano needs maintenance.
Mario Gomez, a Selena fan and Corpus Christi resident who helps maintain the memorial site, told KRIS 6 News the lights and audio system for the memorial haven't worked in several months.
"Everyone else, they complain to me,” Gomez said. “They're like 'What's going on with the lights?' And I said 'I don't know.' "
Gomez said he recently has contacted city leaders in hopes maintenance would be done.
"I see it as a security hazard, because the day before yesterday, there was a lady here with her family from out of town, and she fell down the stairs,” Gomez said.
Visitors now can be seen using flashlights to get a better view of the memorial and take photos. Gomez said that’s not the only issue though: The speakers, which typically play music and information about Selena Quintanilla-Perez’s career aren’t working either.
"It's embarrassing,” he said. “This is one of the main attractions we have here in Corpus."
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department maintains the statue, while Visit Corpus Christi -- Corpus Christi's convention and visitor’s bureau -- maintains the audio system. A spokesperson for the parks department said the lights aren’t working because of electrical damage caused by nearby construction. The issue should be repaired within three months.
Meanwhile, Gomez is hoping the repairs are made as soon as possible.
"I wish the city -- whoever is in charge -- can maintain the lights,” said Gomez. “I wish they would do it in honor of Selena."
According to the Visit Corpus Christi website, more than 30,000 people come from around the country and world to visit the Selena statue every year.
No major conservation work is needed on the statue, meanwhile crews and volunteers pick up trash daily at the site. The statue is power washed quarterly and is painted annually.
The Selena statue is one of 80 pieces of art the city maintains. The city’s Arts and Culture office is also creating a volunteer art maintenance program where volunteers can help maintain art pieces.
For more information, call 361-826-3489.
