Parque La Plancha

Parque La Plancha was built to transform Mérida’s old railway yard into a modern, inclusive, and culturally rich urban park that reconnects the city with its history while providing new recreational, social, and environmental benefits. It serves as a major public space for families, culture, sports, and community life.

The design was done to intentionally blend history and modern life with its use of railway cars for new business and contemporary landscaping. Parque La Plancha is an inclusive and very accessible public place where residents can gather, relax, and enjoy cultural and recreational activities.

Two of the old railway cars now functioning as a gift shop and ice cream shop. Who doesn’t need an ice cream after a day of biking, strolling and enjoying family?

One of the many modern playgrounds meant for children and for the young at heart. Some of the areas include water features and one called the ’Gym’ has workout equipment. One thing they all have in common is that they are for all to enjoy. Food court, a Railway museum and Light museum complete the complex adding culture and history to the many bike and walking routes throughout the area.

Parque La Plancha was built by a collaboration between Yucatán‑based architects and the Mexican federal government, and it was financed primarily with federal funds through SEDENA (the Mexican Army’s engineering corps).

Javier Muñoz Menéndez and Carlos Eduardo Quesnel Miguel were the lead architects. These two men along with their firms were responsible for the concept, layout and making sure the historical elements of the old railway yard were woven throughout the complex.

Financed mainly by the Government of Mexico, it was also a collaboration with the province of Yucatan and the City of Merida.

If you visit this historical city, a stroll through Parque La Plancha should be on your list of things to do.