Key facts
- Monterrey, Mexico, has transformed the former Topo Chico prison site into Liberty Park.
- The prison was a notorious battleground for cartels in the early 2010s.
- Liberty Park features playgrounds and sports fields, symbolizing improved public safety.
- Residents successfully campaigned to preserve the park against plans for a children's hospital.
- The park is in the process of being declared a natural protected area.
Monterrey, Mexico, a host city for the upcoming World Cup, has undergone a significant transformation, turning the site of the former Topo Chico prison into Liberty Park. This park, which opened in stages starting in 2021, now serves as a children's playground and sports facility, a stark contrast to its violent past. A decade ago, the prison was a notorious battleground for warring cartels, resulting in numerous deaths. Residents recall hearing riots and explosions, highlighting the dramatic improvement in public safety that has made Monterrey one of Mexico's safer major cities. This resurgence has eased concerns about security for the World Cup, with locals more focused on traffic and smog. The preservation of Liberty Park was a significant achievement for residents like Francisco Rodriguez Castillo and Gala Jazmín Rojas Cruz, who successfully protested plans to build a children's hospital on the site. They are now campaigning to have the park declared a natural protected area, ensuring its future as a community space.