Cancún Plans Megapark Inspired by Mérida’s La Plancha

Cancún, Mexico — Officials in Cancún are analyzing a project to build a megapark in Region 228, similar to La Plancha park in Mérida, Yucatán. The project aims to address a strong need for infrastructure for public entertainment and recreation.

Héctor Sánchez, Director General of the Municipal Institute of Planning (IMPLAN) for Benito Juárez municipality, stated that they have held meetings with municipal authorities in Mérida, where the majestic La Plancha park is located. The purpose was to understand its characteristics, infrastructure, and required maintenance.

He expressed that they are creating plans to replicate Mérida’s park in Cancún. It would not be identical but would incorporate some of its features.

Sánchez acknowledged that the city has a strong need for infrastructure for the population’s entertainment and leisure.

“The park would have total universal accessibility, safe crossings, and would integrate with the city, as it would not just be the park area itself; the entire surrounding zone would be part of the project,” he commented.

He explained that the design is important to include an area for children, urban furniture for people, trees, and landscaping.

Evidence of this approach is the Gran Kabah Park project, located in SM 250, a public space that will provide green areas, recreational zones, sports facilities, and family gathering areas, contributing to a better quality of life for the subdivision’s residents.

In the case of La Plancha park, it integrates railway history as a museum, with restored historical train cars and the Museum of Light. It also features a water recreation area, a central artificial lake, and an area with interactive fountains featuring light and sound shows.

Regarding entertainment, it includes an amphitheater with a capacity for 10,000 people, a cinema, a skating rink, and a children’s play area. It also has a gastronomic market and old train cars converted into small restaurants and cafeterias.

The park is complemented by trails and a 2.7 km circular walkway for walking or running, bike lanes, outdoor gyms, and a pet park.