Picture this Rio Pequeno a district nestled in the west of Sao Paulo. Its humble origins trace back to the 1960s. Then it was a collection of streets home to hardworking potters and quarry workers. These people toiled in nearby districts like Jaguare. They also worked in construction particularly on the University City projects in the 1960s and 70s. Today Rio Pequeno thrives. It boasts a population exceeding 131000. The district has its own newspapers four police stations a municipal hospital and numerous schools. A municipal cultural center CEU also serves the community.
The name Rio Pequeno itself is a testament to a small stream. The Pirajuçara stream flows down the median of Avenida Escola Politécnica. It eventually empties into the Pinheiros River near Jaguare. This stream provided a geographical reference when the surrounding region was first divided into lots. Thus it became the namesake for the entire area.
Rio Pequeno has a rich sporting tradition. Campo do Corinthians do Rio Pequeno is one of the most historic football pitches in Sao Paulo’s west zone. Affectionately known as Corinthinhas it hosted numerous professional and amateur football teams as well as football schools. Today it’s home to Botafogo do Rio Pequeno a team representing the Sape favela. The pitch also holds various sporting events.
Despite its growth Rio Pequeno still faces challenges. Unlike other districts in Sao Paulo it lacks a public park. Plans are underway however to build Parque Municipal da Agua Podre a municipal park near Avenida Eng Heitor Antonio Eiras Garcia. The park will sit opposite the CEU Butanta.
Easy access via Rodovia Raposo Tavares and Avenida Escola Politécnica has led to a surge in residential developments. Many middle and upper-class residential areas have sprung up. Residencial Parque dos Príncipes Colinas de Sao Francisco and Villas de Sao Francisco are examples of these developments. Jardim Ester another middle to upper-class residential area is near Rodovia Raposo Tavares. The district’s border with Osasco further contributes to its unique blend of communities. It is a vibrant area a testament to Sao Paulo’s ever-evolving landscape. Rio Pequeno is a hidden gem a microcosm of Sao Paulo itself.