Despite a sign announcing a "recovery project" for 2025, the amusement park Isla del Coco, previously known as Coney Island, remains steeped in deterioration, neglect, and oblivion.
A video shared on social media by the Cuban user Eddy Pa Gozar reveals the alarming reality of what was once one of the most iconic recreational spaces in the Cuban capital. The images show corroded structures, litter on the ground, exposed electrical wiring, and dismantled or non-operational amusement rides.
"This is the only device that works on Coco Island," the influencer says ironically while exploring the site. "A place that made us feel exhilarated to the point of heart failure, which used to be the most colossal temple in Havana, has today suffered from neglect, an ongoing disassembly."
In the midst of the ruins, a sign stands out, promising a restoration for 2025, accompanied by children’s drawings and photographs of attractions in good condition. However, the contrast with reality is overwhelming.
The main entrance, where “Welcome to Coco Island Park” can still be read, is locked, and inside, the meadows where families and children once gathered are deserted and overgrown with weeds.
"These lands saw thousands of generations of families grazing in search of excitement and junk food," adds the author of the video, in a melancholic tone.
This space, located in the Playa municipality, was for decades one of the main recreational centers for children in Havana. Its current state generates indignation and nostalgia among Cubans both on and off the island, who fondly remember the afternoons spent among roller coasters and cotton candy.
Although the authorities have announced their intention to restore it, there are no visible signs of actual rehabilitation work so far. Promises are once again captured on banners, while reality speaks for itself.
Frequently asked questions about the abandonment of the Isla del Coco amusement park in Havana
What is the current status of the Isla del Coco amusement park?
The Coco Island amusement park is in a state of alarming decay and abandonment. The structures are corroded, there is litter on the ground, and the rides are dismantled or non-operational. Despite promises of restoration by 2025, there are no visible signs of actual rehabilitation work.
What promises has the government made regarding the restoration of Isla del Coco park?
The government has announced a recovery project for the year 2025. However, so far, these promises have not translated into concrete restoration actions on-site, leading to mistrust among the population who nostalgically remembers its time of glory.
Why is the deterioration of recreational spaces a recurring issue in Cuba?
The deterioration of recreational spaces in Cuba is a reflection of the economic crisis and the lack of investment in maintenance. The situation is similar in other iconic places like Lenin Park and the National Aquarium, which also show signs of neglect and governmental indifference. The regime's priorities seem to be focused on new hotel constructions, sidelining the preservation of public spaces.
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