Envision a green expanse. It’s not just any park but the Parque Pereyra Iraola. This park is the largest urban park in Buenos Aires Province. It is a treasure trove of biodiversity.
The Parque Pereyra Iraola’s story began long ago. The land belonged to the Pereyra Iraola family. They acquired it from Juana Rita Pinto. The family named their estate San Juan.
In 1949 a significant event occurred. The government under General Juan Domingo Peron expropriated the land. Peron wanted to create a park for the community. A year later the Parque Pereyra Iraola opened. It spanned 10246 hectares. The park sits between Berazategui, Ensenada, Florencio Varela and La Plata.
Did you know that the park once had a different name? During Peron’s second presidency, it was called Derechos de la Ancianidad. This translates to Rights of the Elderly. This name also included the train station linking Buenos Aires and La Plata.
The Pereyra Iraola family significantly shaped the land. Simón Pereyra acquired the land in 1850. He renamed it Estancia San Juan. His son Leonardo transformed the estate. Leonardo studied European parks. He learned about forestation’s benefits. He began planting trees in 1860. This conserved the soil and improved the environment for cattle. San Juan became a model estate. Notable figures like Infanta Isabel of Spain visited.
President Perón announced the expropriation in 1948. His goal was to preserve the forest. He also aimed to create a cultural, social, scientific and tourist hub. This included experimental institutes and zootechnical parks.
The park officially opened in 1950. President Perón and his wife Eva Duarte de Perón attended. Domingo Mercante, the Governor of Buenos Aires Province, joined them. About 20000 people gathered. Around 800 hectares of the former Santa Rosa estate were opened to the public.
The Parque Pereyra Iraola promotes sustainable tourism. It focuses on recreation and education in nature. This encourages environmental conservation.
The park features the Estación de Cría de Animales Silvestres. It opened in 1971. It originally housed animals from the Buenos Aires and La Plata zoos. The goal shifted to native fauna conservation. It became a breeding center. It aimed to protect endangered species.
There’s also the Árbol de Cristal. The Pereyra Iraola family brought this tree from Indochina in the 19th century. It is the only survivor of twelve planted 150 years ago. The tree exudes resin resembling tears. On full moon nights, it reflects light like crystal. It was declared a Natural Monument.
Capilla Santa Elena is another highlight. Martín Pereyra Iraola built it in memory of his daughter Elena. Susana Fedrano, a painter, decorated it.
In 2008, UNESCO declared Parque Pereyra Iraola a Biosphere Reserve. This protects biodiversity.
The Parque Pereyra Iraola faces challenges. A highway project threatened it. Local opposition rerouted the highway. The park boasts over 132 introduced tree species. Native flora thrives. Around 200 bird species inhabit the park.
As you wander through the Parque Pereyra Iraola, remember its rich history. From private estate to public park, it remains a green oasis. It is a testament to nature, culture and community.