León, Guanajuato, continues to gain international recognition for its natural and recreational spaces. The metropolitan parks “Eliseo Martínez Pérez” and “La Reserva” received important distinctions from World Urban Parks (WUP2026, an organization that promotes best practices in the development, conservation, and management of urban parks around the world.
The awards were presented during a ceremony held in Istanbul, Turkey, where the Metropolitan Ecological Park of León won the International Large Urban Parks Award, while the Metropolitan Park La Reserva was awarded in the New Park Project category for Latin America.
These distinctions highlight León’s work in providing spaces that combine nature, recreation, sports, and environmental education, contributing to the well-being of its inhabitants and the attractiveness of the city.
Metropolitan Park of León: nature, sports and major events
With more than 30 years of history, the Metropolitan Ecological Park of León “Eliseo Martínez Pérez” has become one of the main recreational and natural spaces in the city.
Its green areas, sports facilities and outdoor activities make it a meeting point for families, athletes and visitors who want to enjoy nature within the urban environment.
In addition to its environmental and recreational importance, the park is the setting for events of great international projection, including the International Balloon Festival, which each year brings together thousands of visitors to enjoy one of the most important ballooning shows in the world.
The recognition granted by World Urban Parks considers aspects such as the design, infrastructure, management and operation of large urban parks, elements that contribute to providing quality experiences to their visitors.
Parque La Reserva: from an old rubbish dump to a space for coexistence
One of the most outstanding projects in León’s environmental recovery efforts is the Metropolitan Park La Reserva, a space that transformed an old landfill into a place dedicated to coexistence, physical activity, and environmental education.
Developed on 24.8 hectares of land that for more than a decade was used as a waste disposal site, the park represents an example of how it is possible to reclaim degraded areas and give them a new life for the benefit of the community.
Currently, La Reserva offers children's play areas, recreational areas, palapas, multipurpose fields, and a jogging track, in addition to an environmental interpretation center where visitors can learn about waste management and the importance of protecting the environment.
Its recognition as a new urban park project in Latin America highlights both its environmental transformation and its social contribution. The space, with free access, provides families with an alternative way to enjoy outdoor activities.
León stands out for the care it takes with its green spaces
World Urban Parks is an international organization with a presence in more than 30 countries, dedicated to promoting collaboration, the exchange of experiences, and good practices in the conservation and management of urban green spaces.
The awards received by both parks place León among the cities recognized for their efforts to improve the quality of their public spaces, foster coexistence, and promote a closer relationship between people and nature.
At the same time, these achievements represent an opportunity to continue strengthening aspects such as accessibility, inclusion, safety, and environmental conservation.
With two internationally recognized parks, León reaffirms its appeal as a city where nature, sports, and recreation are part of the experience for residents and visitors, adding new reasons to discover and enjoy its outdoor spaces.
