The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, reiterated the need to restore three of the previously iconic recreational spaces in Havana: Lenin Park, ExpoCuba, and the National Zoo.
During a recent meeting with local authorities, Marrero emphasized the importance of these sites for the recreation of the population and the promotion of domestic tourism.
According to a report from the Cuban Television News, the governor of the capital Yanet Hernández Pérez stated that in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, there are plans to restore the railway that will facilitate traffic between the city and those areas.
However, this is not the government's first call for the restoration of these spaces. In September 2022, Marrero himself visited these facilities and promised their rescue, committing to improve their infrastructure and services.
Despite the official statements, two years later the problems persist and the places remain in a state of disrepair.
"We need to find a way for families to come spend the day, for us to have the culinary offering, both private and state-run, where people know they will have a good lunch at a fair price", Marrero said on that occasion prior to the celebration of the 38th International Fair of Havana FIHAV at ExpoCuba.
Considered the largest exhibition center in Cuba, ExpoCuba shows significant deterioration in all its facilities. The pavilions and food venues are closed, and the amusement park has the majority of its rides broken.
Employees at the location have noted that, although the warehouses receive products such as meats, beverages, and ice creams, many of these are diverted to the black market, leaving a limited supply for the public.
For its part, Lenin Park, inaugurated in 1972 as an iconic space for family recreation in Havana, has suffered significant neglect in recent years.
Recent images show rusted and abandoned attractions, surrounded by weeds, highlighting the lack of maintenance and institutional neglect.
Although an attempt was made to reopen in 2022 with some children's attractions, they ceased operations in less than a year due to a lack of attention and resources.
A similar reality has been experienced by the National Zoo, which has faced serious operational difficulties, mainly due to the shortage of fuel affecting the functioning of the vehicles used in the safaris.
In March 2024, the zoo announced that it was "undergoing a full transformation," undertaking cleaning work in various areas.
However, no details were provided regarding the condition of the animals, nor were any significant improvements in their care evidenced.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recovery of Recreational Spaces in Havana
What recreational spaces is the Cuban government looking to restore?
The Cuban government seeks to reclaim Parque Lenin, ExpoCuba, and the National Zoo, three of the main recreational spaces in Havana that have deteriorated in recent years.
Why is the restoration of Parque Lenin important?
The recovery of Parque Lenin is important because it was an emblematic space for family recreation in Havana, but it is currently in a state of alarming neglect, with vandalized and ruined facilities, reflecting institutional abandonment and the lack of recreational options for Cuban children.
What is the current status of ExpoCuba?
ExpoCuba is in a state of advanced decay with closed pavilions and dining establishments, and an amusement park where most of the rides are broken. Furthermore, the lack of maintenance has been exacerbated by issues such as the diversion of products to the black market.
What challenges does the National Zoo face in its recovery?
The National Zoo is facing serious operational difficulties primarily due to fuel shortages, which affects the functioning of the safaris. Although cleaning efforts have been made, no significant improvements have been evident in the care of the animals.
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