New park in Jockey could open up almost 600 thousand m² of possibilities for São Paulo

The proposal to transform the São Paulo Jockey Club area into a large public park has reignited an important discussion for the capital: what would the city gain if a plot of land measuring almost 600,000 square meters was opened to the population? The project is still hypothetical, but it gained strength with Bill 505/2025, which authorizes the municipal Executive to declare the land of public use for future expropriation. So far, the proposal has not yet been definitively approved. If it progresses, the initiative could create one of the largest urban parks in the city, with space for green areas, cycle paths, walking tracks, sports equipment, cultural centers, gardens, children's areas and preservation of the historical heritage linked to turf. The size of the land draws attention. The hippodrome area covers almost 600 thousand m², around four times the size of the Chácara do Jockey Municipal Park, in Vila Sônia, which has approximately 143 thousand m². A park of this size could benefit families, students, elderly people, runners, cyclists, people with disabilities, workers in the region and visitors from other parts of the city. To achieve this, however, it would be necessary to guarantee accessibility, efficient public transport, security, lighting, toilets and well-distributed entrances. In addition to leisure, the creation of a green area of this scale could help São Paulo with environmental issues. Urban parks contribute to reducing temperatures, improving air quality, increasing soil permeability and preserving biodiversity. Another important point is historical memory. Transforming the space into a park would not need to erase the history of the Jockey Club. On the contrary: the stands, the paddock, the Tatersal, the Equestrian Village, old stables and other listed elements could be integrated into new cultural and educational uses. The area also houses works and architectural elements protected by Condephaat and Conpresp, including high reliefs by Victor Brecheret and buildings associated with names such as Elisiário Bahiana and Henri Sajous. If well planned, the future park could become a new postcard for São Paulo, strengthening tourism, culture, sport and the local economy. To fulfill this potential, however, the project would need to be built with public participation and designed as a truly democratic space, open not only to residents of the region, but to the whole of São Paulo.