Once upon a time, a Parisian dream took root in the heart of Sāo Paulo and it blossomed into what we now know as Parque da Aclimação. This park is more than just a green space. It is a living testament to one man’s vision and the city’s evolving relationship with nature.
In 1892 Carlos Botelho dreamed of bringing a slice of Paris to Sāo Paulo. He envisioned a space mirroring the Jardin d’Acclimatation. Botelho established a garden on his Sítio do Tapanhoin. This marked the beginning of Aclimação Garden.
Botelho’s ambition didn’t stop at replicating Parisian aesthetics. He built a dairy farm establishing the first zoo in Sāo Paulo. He also created a cancer research center and Latin America’s first silo. The garden even boasted Brazil’s first riding club. Access was granted through monumental cast iron gates. One faced Aclimação Avenue and the other Muniz de Souza Street.
For years the Aclimação Garden thrived as a private venture. Around 1930 the Botelho family started subdividing the land. This led to the creation of streets and boulevards.
The story takes an interesting turn in 1939. Mayor Francisco Prestes Maia concerned about the land subdivision proposed a purchase to the Botelho family which was accepted. The Sāo Paulo City Hall acquired the area. The Aclimação Park was officially born.
Over the decades the park evolved. In the 1950s it gained a library, an acoustic shell, a playground and a soccer field. The 1980s saw local residents and ecological organizations rallying. They secured the park’s protection by the Council for the Defense of Historical Heritage.
Even parks have their challenges. In 2007 heavy rainfall caused the lake to burst. Thousands of fish flowed into nearby streams. A similar incident occurred in 2009. Repairs in 2010 included a spillway installation.
Today the Parque da Aclimação spans 112000 square meters. It features a large lake. There is also a Japanese garden, an acoustic shell and playgrounds. You will find gym equipment and jogging tracks as well.
The park’s fauna includes 111 species. Birds like the southern lapwing and the rufous-bellied thrush are common sights. The vegetation is diverse with native and exotic species. You can spot guanandi, jacaranda, eucalyptus and fruit trees.
Within the park you will find the Jack Marin Municipal Stadium. It was founded in 1927. It became Latin America’s first municipal soccer school.
Take a moment to appreciate the blend of history nature and community. Parque da Aclimação is a place where Parisian dreams meet Brazilian reality. It is a green lung in the urban landscape. It is a space for leisure sports and connection with nature.