Imagine buffaloes grazing where children now play. This is Parque Piqueri. This green space offers respite from S\u00e3o Paulo’s urban sprawl. But it was once a private estate. It belonged to Count Francisco Matarazzo.
The story of Parque Piqueri begins in 1927. The Tatuap\u00e9 district was then a rural area. Farms supplied S\u00e3o Paulo with produce. Matarazzo bought 250 thousand square meters here. He built his country house. It was called Ch\u00e1cara do Tatuap\u00e9.
The Count created a haven. He raised animals. He cultivated plants. His family enjoyed pleasant times here. The Tiet\u00ea River flowed through the property. A boat dock allowed access. Ruins of this dock remain today. They are witnesses to the past in Parque Piqueri.
In the 1930s and 40s, the estate was a local attraction. The family hosted parties. They welcomed prominent guests. Neighbors watched the festivities. Children peeked over the walls. They observed Argentinian horses. They also saw American buffaloes, ponies and cows.
The family mansion is gone. Satellite images pinpoint its location. It stood where the Ponto de Leitura is today. An avenue led to the house. Sibipiruna trees likely lined the path. These trees still border the way. The park’s vegetation is now denser. It is a mix of original and later plantings.
The area faced potential redevelopment. In the 1950s, part of the land was sold. In the 60s and 70s, more sales followed. A dairy company wanted to build a milk processing plant. The project was rejected. The city declared the area of public utility in 1971. Neglect led to fires. These fires damaged some of the original vegetation.
In 1974, controversy arose. The mayor unfroze green areas including the estate. Real estate speculation began. Plans emerged for a commercial and residential complex. Residents and politicians opposed the project. In 1976, the city expropriated the land. Parque Piqueri opened in April 1978. It became one of the few green spaces in eastern S\u00e3o Paulo.
The park has become a vital recreational area. Locals exercise here during the week. Children play in the playgrounds. Weekends draw diverse crowds. Without Parque Piqueri, Tatuap\u00e9 would lose a precious refuge. Green areas are increasingly rare in the city.
Interestingly, during a flood in 1987, people sought refuge in Parque Piqueri’s trees. Also, the main gate dates back to 1901. It was moved from Jardim da Luz to Parque Piqueri.
In 1934, Assis Chateaubriand visited the estate. He wrote about Count Matarazzo’s menagerie. The Count showed him carps he fed. He also showed him goats, turkeys, buffaloes, donkeys, monkeys, otters and deer. Chateaubriand also tasted buffalo milk cheese.
The administration building is the only remaining structure from the Matarazzo era. It was the home of the estate manager, Saulo Carpinelli. The city has protected it as a historical site.
Parque Piqueri covers 97 thousand square meters. The name Piqueri honors the indigenous tribe of the area. Piqueri means river of small fishes in Tupi. The park boasts diverse flora and fauna.
Before you leave Parque Piqueri, remember its past. Imagine the Matarazzo family enjoying their estate. Appreciate the efforts to preserve this green space for everyone.