The Parque Bicentenario is a large urban park located in the northern part of Mexico City. It was opened in 2010 as part of the celebrations for the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence from Spain. The park covers an area of 55 hectares. It offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors, including a large lake, walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and outdoor sports facilities.
History and design
The park was designed by a team of architects and urban planners led by Mario Schjetnan. The design concept was based on the idea of creating a green space that would serve as a gathering place for the local community and a symbol of Mexico’s bicentennial. The park’s layout is divided into several thematic zones, each with its own distinctive character and features.
One of the most striking elements of the park’s design is the large lake, which covers an area of over 10 hectares. The lake is fed by rainwater collected from the park’s surrounding areas and is home to a variety of aquatic plants and animals. Visitors can rent paddleboats and canoes to explore the lake or simply enjoy the views from one of the many benches located along the shoreline.
Parque Bicentenario: recreational activities
Parque Bicentenario offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The park has several playgrounds with equipment for children, including swings, slides, and climbing structures. There are also sports facilities for football, basketball, and volleyball, as well as jogging and cycling paths that wind through the park’s various zones.
For those interested in cultural activities, the park has several sculptures and art installations scattered throughout the grounds. These include works by renowned Mexican artists such as Vicente Rojo and Sebastián, as well as pieces by international artists like the Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa.
Events and festivals
Parque Bicentenario is also a popular venue for concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year. One of the most notable events is the annual Festival Love and Pride. This festival celebrates Mexico’s LGBTQ+ community with a day-long festival featuring live music, performances, and other activities. The festival has become a major event in the city’s cultural calendar, drawing visitors from all over Mexico and beyond.
Other events held at the park include the Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia en la Ciudad de México. This festival brings some of the best Mexican and international films to the park’s outdoor amphitheater. The park has also hosted large-scale concerts by international artists like Paul McCartney, Guns N’ Roses, and Coldplay.
Parque Bicentenario: sustainability
Parque Bicentenario is not only a recreational and cultural space but also a model for sustainable urban development. The park was designed with a focus on environmental sustainability. The area features the lake and surrounding wetlands providing a habitat for native flora and fauna. The park also has a rainwater harvesting system that collects and stores water for irrigation and other uses.
In addition, the park promotes sustainable transportation by providing bike racks and a bicycle rental service. It also has a dedicated bus stop and parking for public transportation. The park also has an extensive recycling program and encourages visitors to dispose of waste responsibly.
Parque Bicentenario is a unique and vibrant green space in the heart of Mexico City. With its emphasis on sustainability, community, and culture, it serves as a model for urban parks around the world. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature or to experience the city’s cultural offerings, Parque Bicentenario has something for everyone.