Abandonment and Desolation: What Remains of Lenin Park in Havana

Lenin Park, in Havana, was for years the main recreational destination for many Cuban families. Inaugurated in 1972, this vast complex of 472 hectares offered a wide range of attractions, from roller coasters to restaurants and green areas for leisure. However, today, the park is in a state of alarming decline, with its facilities vandalized, attractions rusted, and infrastructure in ruins.

A video recorded this week, shared on our social networks, shows the park in its worst condition: destroyed attractions, weeds covering what were once recreational areas, and structures corroded by neglect.

The outrage of Cubans was immediate, and hundreds of comments reflect the feelings of the population. One user lamented, "How sad to see this, my childhood is in ruins." Another questioned, "It's embarrassing that it ended up like this, where are those who promised to restore it?" Among the many reactions, someone pointed out, "Instead of parks for children, all that's left are ruins and neglect," while another person denunced, "The government has no money for this, but it does for luxury hotels."

Some reminisced nostalgically about the park in its heyday: "We used to come here every Sunday, now it's a giant landfill." Others emphasized the deplorable state of the place: "Look at how it is, not even animals could live there" and "It’s painful to see this, Parque Lenin was the joy of children in the '80s." The lack of maintenance is a recurring theme: "They have no shame, they’ve destroyed what little was left," "This is disgusting, but I’m sure later they’ll say everything is in 'the process of recovery'" and "There’s no money to fix it, but plenty to build empty hotels."

More comments reflected the citizens' disappointment: "The park of my childhood is now a refuge for vagrants and weeds," "Promises, promises, and more promises... meanwhile, it continues to crumble," and "All of Cuba is a dilapidated Lenin Park." Finally, one person summarized the general sentiment with a bitter reflection: "If this is what they are leaving for the children, just imagine how the rest of the country must be."

Failed reopening and unfulfilled promises

After the closure due to the pandemic, Parque Lenin attempted to reopen its doors in April 2022, coinciding with its 50th anniversary. However, the reopening was disappointing.

The progressive deterioration of the park has been a source of constant criticism from the public. Visitors have reported the lack of maintenance and the scarcity of basic services such as food and transportation. On several occasions, families who traveled to the site have found its doors closed without prior notice, highlighting the lack of planning and efficient management.

In April 2022, only six of the 17 rides at Parque Mariposa, the main amusement area of the venue, were operational. It was promised that new attractions would be reintroduced in the following months, but most of them never returned to operation. The few that were active ceased operations less than a year later.

Abandonment, vandalism, and economic crisis

As the years went by, the situation in the park deteriorated drastically. Recent images show rusty attractions overgrown with weeds. The famous star, which was once one of the most iconic attractions in Cuba, is in ruins. The concert area has been completely destroyed, and the roller coaster is nothing more than a corroded and dangerous structure.

The neglect of Lenin Park has been so severe that homeless individuals have occupied its facilities. In some cases, health issues have been reported due to the presence of human waste in the area, further exacerbating the crisis at the site.

The deterioration of Parque Lenin is merely a reflection of the economic crisis plaguing Cuba. The lack of resources and fuel shortages have not only affected the maintenance of the park but have also impacted citizens' mobility, who face serious difficulties in reaching such recreational centers due to the public transportation crisis.

A rescue on the horizon?

Despite the serious situation of the park, last January Manuel Marrero emphasized the restoration of Parque Lenin, along with ExpoCuba and the Zoológico Nacional, asserting that these sites must be revitalized to promote family recreation and domestic tourism.

However, this is not the first time that the Cuban government has promised to rescue the park without any tangible results.

An uncertain future

The situation at Parque Lenin highlights the Cuban government's lack of interest in preserving public spaces dedicated to the recreation of the population. While promises of restoration continue, the facilities are falling apart, serving as a testament to the widespread deterioration in the country.

For Cuban families, the loss of Parque Lenin is not just the closure of a recreational facility, but yet another sign of the decay of a system that has failed to provide dignified leisure options for children and youth. If the government does not take concrete actions beyond mere words, it is likely that this park, once an icon of the Cuban capital, will become nothing more than a nostalgic memory of better times.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Deterioration of Parque Lenin and the Economic Crisis in Cuba