La Plancha park project moves forward with a huge budget

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Government officials announced an agreement to make the La Plancha land 100% parkland. Photo: Contributed

The park that should have been done by now is back in the planning stage. Turning La Plancha into “100% park” is officially approved after an announcement back in March.

Diario de Yucatán announced that Yucatán Gov. Mauricio Vila Dosal led a meeting, accompanied by the coordinator of advisors, Álvaro Juanes Cámara, to follow up on the project, for which 1.4 billion pesos will be invested.

How over US$70 million will be allocated to the park was not announced. The original master plan envisioned space for artwork and passive recreation along with nature paths and plantings of native trees and greenery.

More: La Plancha archives 2014-present

The idea seemed simple. Years ago, neighbors proposed turning 55 acres of abandoned rail yards in the concrete-laden Centro into a park. A “green lung” for birds and bees and nature-lovers to enjoy.

There were workshops, tours, and meetings, a 2016 master plan was approved, then shelved, and work began but then stalled for years. Then a plan to incorporate a Mayan Train station, sell off a piece of the property — and later build National Guard barracks — shook up supporters.

The land covers several blocks north of the historic former train station on Calle 55 between 46 and 48.

La Plancha is the largest undeveloped parcel in the Centro, and residents feared the open space would be swallowed up by more buildings. But a park will do wonders for area property values, proponents say.

The agreement comes just in time. Already, the northern tip of La Plancha, where a ballfield stood, is under development as a Museo de Luz, museum of light.

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