Oi from Sao Paulo in Brazil,
It’s reasonable to show gratitude to people who are no longer with us, such as the founders of a huge city who showed great foresight with the planning.
The founders of Sao Paulo deserve that retrospective thought for their setting aside of the land for Ibirapuera Park. This is 158 hectares of open space, forest and much more, in easy access of most of the city. It’s reasonable to point out that New York’s Central Park was the swampland that the early developers disdained, and that the huge green space is there only for that reason. Looking at the topography of this part of Sao Paulo, it’s quite possible that the same applied here. The fact remains that the city forefathers set aside 158 hectares for public use. And, today the public in Sao Paulo appreciate its existence, as shown by their keen patronage on every single day of the year.
Today, the park is a much-loved public asset where locals can exercise and seek some natural surrounds in the middle of a massive city.
The natural areas are augmented by playgrounds, tennis courts, skateboard ramps, cycle tracks and cafes. There is a huge building that houses a collection of indigenous art, a planetarium, apparatus for exercise regimes, pickleball courts, grand open spaces, bamboo avenues and, being Brazil, soccer fields.
Locals are also able to meet to hold tai chi sessions. Dog walkers are happy. Concerts are periodically held here.
Ibirapuera Park represents superb foresight by city planners. It was from an era when selfless design triumphed over functionality and profit. It’s easy to see what the people want in the long run.
Adios from Sao Paulo
Gregorio