The City of Buenos Aires will transform an old railway site into a new public park in Villa Urquiza. The intervention will add 5,920 m² of green space, directly benefiting more than 50,000 residents. Additionally, 9,700 m² of public space will be regenerated, with expanded sidewalks, improved lighting, and accessibility.
The park will be located between Triunvirato and Franklin D. Roosevelt avenues, the Mitre railway tracks, and the Juan Manuel de Rosas subway station. It will be integrated into the transport hub through pedestrian connections with the subway station and the Villa Urquiza Mitre station.
Design and Features
The project prioritizes the incorporation of green space and the planting of new trees, preserving the existing trees. Among its main elements:
- Green corridor next to Plaza Casal.
- Demolition of concrete structures at Roosevelt and Triunvirato.
- Pedestrian streetlights to enhance security.
- Meeting spaces for cultural activities and neighborhood fairs.
- Urban furniture: benches, waste bins, and aerobic stations.
- Urban drainage system to absorb rainwater.
Railway elements will be preserved as part of the site’s historical identity, integrating them into the park’s design.
Community Participation
The design involved the participation of residents in three community meetings. Their contributions were incorporated into the project, adjusting the proposal to the neighborhood’s needs.
Green Space Expansion Policy
This new park adds to other recent projects:
- Plaza Mercado de Pulgas (Colegiales-Palermo): 2,101 m² of green space, 50 new trees, and improvements in pedestrian connectivity, benefiting over 70,000 residents.
- Plaza Villa Santa Rita: inaugurated in 2025, with 1,725 m² of green space, playgrounds, and stay areas, benefiting over 30,000 residents after a four-decade community demand.
The City continues to expand its network of parks, squares, and small plazas, aiming for more residents to have access to quality public spaces.
Importance of Urban Green Spaces
Green spaces are vital for the sustainability of cities:
- Physical and mental health: improve air quality and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Climate change mitigation: regulate temperature and absorb rainwater, reducing flood risk.
- Social cohesion: promote community interaction and strengthen neighborhood identity.
- Biodiversity: host species that enrich the urban ecosystem.
- Right to the city: ensure equitable access to recreation and nature spaces.
The creation of the park in Villa Urquiza reinforces the City’s ongoing policy of reclaiming underutilized land and converting it into green spaces. The initiative not only improves the quality of life for residents but also strengthens neighborhood identity and urban integration in a key transport hub.
