SANTO DOMINGO – The National District Mayor's Office and Banco Popular Dominicano inaugurated Cristo Libre Park in the Cristo Rey neighborhood, a project that will benefit 17,578 people. This space provides thousands of residents with a safe, well-lit, and fully equipped environment, designed for the enjoyment of the entire community and expected to have a positive impact on their well-being.
Banco Popular allocated an investment of RD$16.4 million for the comprehensive renovation of this new green space, which occupies 5,704 square meters and complements the recently inaugurated Cristo Park project.
Mayor Carolina Mejía shared her enthusiasm for delivering this project to the residents of the area, assuring that the park reflects the ongoing commitment of the National District Mayor's Office and will be a meeting point, recreation and leisure space for all citizens, significantly improving the quality of life of the community.
Carolina announced that in addition to the parks that have been delivered recently, Centro Futuro will soon be inaugurated. "Here in Cristo Rey, you know that the heart of both the central government and ours has been focused on this for a long time. A few days ago, we inaugurated Cristo Park, and now Cristo Libre. We still have other projects here; soon we will inaugurate Centro Futuro, a center for training and development for our youth," the mayor stated.
Mejía thanked Banco Popular for entrusting them with these projects for the benefit of the community. "We want to express our gratitude for the trust and great honor we have received from Banco Popular, which has placed in us the responsibility of supporting them with the level of care and prudence that characterizes their institution," he said.
Meanwhile, José Mármol, executive vice president of Corporate Communications, Reputation and Responsible Banking at Grupo Popular, emphasized the importance of the alliance between the public and private sectors.
“As a catalyst for the economic, social, and institutional development of the Dominican Republic, our responsible banking model aims at the country's sustainable development through partnerships with the most relevant public and private actors, with the goal of creating a shared value space of well-being and progress for communities that allows us to live in harmony with the environment,” said the banking executive.
Details of the work
Cristo Libre Park has a new 260-meter linear perimeter fence, guaranteeing security with three access points.
In addition, the sinkhole that originated during Tropical Storm Franklin last August was repaired, with excavation, demolition, filling and leveling work carried out to ensure the stability and safety of the space.
The walking track was renovated, the existing stairs were repaired, and new access ramps were created for people with reduced mobility.
An LED lighting system was also installed, refurbishing 51 poles and 59 repaired or reused lamps, along with 46 new ones, and the electrical system was automated for greater efficiency and energy savings. Similarly, the 911 system incorporated surveillance cameras and an informational megaphone.
The park features a children's play area with various games for different ages, an outdoor gym area, and a stage for Zumba or aerobics classes.
The newly opened Cristo Libre park. (External source).
Ornamental plants were added and murals were created to beautify the surroundings. Recycling stations were installed for efficient waste sorting, and 100% recycled picnic tables were provided.
Present at the groundbreaking ceremony were former President Hipólito Mejía; the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Victor Ito Bisonó; the President of the Council of Aldermen, Liz Mieses; the Vice Mayor, Stalin Alcántara; Digna Reynoso, Director of Passports; Santiago Hazim, Director of the National Health Service (Senasa); Randolfo Rijo, Director of the 911 System and the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant); Paino Henríquez, Director of the Sustainable DO Trust; and Dr. Cruz Jiminián.
Also present at the event were Yolanda de la Rosa, Director of Innovation and Special Projects for the National District Mayor's Office; José Hernández Caamaño, Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance at Banco Popular; and Mariel Bera, Vice President of Corporate Relations and Responsible Banking at Banco Popular, among other officials and dignitaries.
Contribution to recover 12 parks
In total, Popular has collaborated with the Mayor's Office of the National District to recover the Mirador Sur, Las Praderas, Rosa Duarte, Villa Francisca, Velazcasas and now Cristo Libre parks, in the National District, with the El Pedregal and Los Girasoles parks in the completion phase.
She has also contributed to the program “Recreational Parks: from industry to community”, promoted by the first lady, Raquel Arbaje, in her role as president of the Cabinet for Children and Adolescents, and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs (MICM), renovating the central park of Boca Chica, the municipal children's park of La Vega, the Ramón Cáceres park of Moca and, soon, the one in San Pedro de Macorís.
