With the inauguration of this park, there are now a total of five green areas that have been renovated or rebuilt with the support of Banco Popular in the city of Santo Domingo
SANTO DOMINGO.– Banco Popular Dominicano and the National District Mayor's Office (ADN), in an event led by the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, inaugurated the renovation of Velazcasas Park, on the 30 de Mayo highway, a project that will benefit more than 20,000 residents in the surrounding area of the park.
Banco Popular invested approximately RD$25 million in this renovation project, which included a comprehensive improvement of the urban space for the benefit of its users.
During the inauguration, Popular's CEO, Christopher Paniagua, emphasized the importance of promoting alliances between public and private institutions for the benefit of communities, as in this case, which aligns with the financial organization's sustainable vision and its corporate purpose of promoting the growth of individuals, businesses, communities, and the country in a sustainable environment.
“We are committed to continuing to promote lifestyles and production models that allow us to live in harmony with the environment,” said the CEO of Banco Popular.
Mayor Carolina Mejía thanked the executives of Banco Popular for supporting these projects that benefit the community.
Mejía emphasized that this park, the 155th delivered during these three years of management, is not only a place for healthy recreation, but also a symbol of dedication to improving the quality of life for all the city's inhabitants.
“This Velazcasas Park is more than just a green space; it’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. And in that collective effort, I want to acknowledge the central government, in the person of President Abinader, because we always work hand in hand to make these projects for the city a reality, and likewise the institutions that have collaborated here,” the mayor emphasized.
Meanwhile, Heriberta Fernández, president of the neighborhood association, thanked Mayor Carolina Mejía and Banco Popular for making this space a reality, a space that the community had been requesting for more than 25 years.
“With the public-private collaboration agreements, it was possible for the Presidency of the Republic, the Banco Popular Dominicano and the Mayor's Office of the National District to work together on the construction of Velazcasas Park,” said the president of the Neighborhood Association.
Public-private partnership
With these projects, Popular and the Mayor's Office of the National District, through the "Parks for All" and "Live Your Park" programs, continue to join forces to rescue and deliver improved urban spaces to the communities of the capital, which contribute to its residents, allowing them to enjoy, grow and develop in sustainable environments, which translate into a better quality of life for citizens.
With the inauguration of this park, a total of five green spaces in Santo Domingo have now been renovated or rebuilt with the support of Banco Popular. These include Mirador Sur, Rosa Duarte, Villa Francisca, and Las Praderas parks. Meanwhile, Girasoles, Cristo Libre, and El Pedregal parks are currently undergoing improvements or construction.
Those present at the event included Ricardo de los Santos, President of the Senate; Raquel Arbaje, First Lady; Deligne Ascensión, Minister of Public Works and Communications; Carlos Bonilla, Minister of Housing; Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Director General of Customs; Felipe Suberví, Director General of CAASD; Milton Morrison, Director General of Edesur; Colonel Randolfo Rijo Gómez, Executive Director of the 911 System; Vice Mayor Stalin Alcántara; President of the Council of Aldermen, Liz Mieses; and other council members of the National District.
Also present at the park's inauguration event was athlete Marileidy Paulino, a double Olympic medalist, world champion, and ambassador for the Popular brand.
Also in attendance from Banco Popular were José Mármol, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Reputation and Responsible Banking; Mariel Bera, Vice President of Corporate Relations and Responsible Banking; Esteban Martínez-Murga, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Reputation; engineer José Hernández Caamaño, Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance; and Leonte Brea, Vice President of Business Area Metro West Zone and Commercial Channels of Popular.
Work done
Among the work carried out, a new automated LED lighting system was installed for greater efficiency and energy savings.
A children's play area was also created using corrosion-resistant materials to prevent deterioration from salt air, with play equipment suitable for different ages and abilities. An outdoor gym was built, along with abstract and sports murals to beautify the surroundings.
The park was renovated to provide easy access for people with disabilities, with new pedestrian entrances with ramps and leveling of the entire terrain for the comfort of users with reduced mobility.
In addition, the existing fence was replaced with a new one, signage was installed, and a 420-meter walking path was built inside the park. Likewise, 200 square meters of internal pathways were created using stamped concrete, a more sustainable and durable material, and the gazebo was renovated.
The basketball and volleyball court was restructured, bathrooms were built, and a suitable space for park support staff offices was constructed.
A general pruning of the trees was also carried out, green areas and flowerbeds were created, ornamental elements were added, and 100% recycled picnic tables and benches were placed, as well as clean points for the sorting of garbage.
Contributions from public institutions
In the surroundings of the park, the Southern Electricity Distribution Company (Edesur) contributed with the installation of around 40 lamps to ensure lighting throughout the area.
The National Emergency and Security System 911 installed surveillance cameras throughout the park to reinforce security in the surrounding area and a megaphone for use as an information channel for residents and visitors.
Similarly, the Water and Sewerage Corporation (CAASD) installed a drainage system to address the waterlogging. The sidewalks and curbs around the park were also rebuilt. And the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) paved the park and its surrounding area.
