Cancún’s New Peace Park: A Cultural Oasis for Families

The Urban Cultural Park of Peace, located in Villas Otoch Paraíso, Cancún, was recently inaugurated by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa. The park, which cost nearly 19 million pesos to construct, is set to benefit over 11,494 local residents.

The grand opening was a family-friendly event, promoting peace-building and community interaction. Governor Lezama encouraged families to utilize the park for gatherings and as a space for peace and strengthening familial bonds. She also took the opportunity to urge residents to reject self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse and violence, particularly against women and girls.

Governor Lezama emphasized the importance of combating corruption to ensure public funds are used effectively. She stated, "By closing the leaks where the people's money was escaping, we have ensured that every peso reaches further and is invested in the areas where it is most needed."

She further highlighted that her administration's New Agreement for the Welfare and Development of Quintana Roo is focused on improving public recreational spaces to foster peace and promote interaction among children, teenagers, and adults.

The inauguration event also saw local residents and municipal authorities, led by president Ana Paty Peralta de la Peña, signing the Solidaridad Agreement. This agreement aims to facilitate peace-building by strengthening family bonds in this new public space.

Irazú Sarabia May, head of the Secretariat of Public Works (SEOP), provided details about the park's facilities. These include sanitary modules, a watchtower, a forum, a dog circuit with metal fencing, a perimeter fence, a bike park, children's play areas, and a plaza. The plaza features curbs, sidewalks, a hydraulic concrete floor, a ramp for disabled individuals, concrete benches, garbage bins, and bicycle racks. Landscaping work has also been carried out.

For safety, a surveillance camera with 360-degree mobility has been installed. Sarabia stressed that by providing suitable public spaces for family interaction, they are addressing the root causes of violence and crime, and contributing to the construction of peace throughout Quintana Roo.