The São Paulo state government has extended the public consultation period on the urban parks project until August 18. The goal is to increase participation in contributions to the administrative concession project for six urban parks located in the city of São Paulo. Coordinated by the Secretariat for Partnerships and Investments (SPI), the initiative is part of the state partnerships and investments program (PPI-SP) and focuses on upgrading the infrastructure, operation, and maintenance of these green areas.
The proposal seeks to expand public participation in building the concession model, promoting more efficient management of the spaces and better services for the population. The public hearings, held on July 16 and 17, presented the main aspects of the project and gathered suggestions from civil society. Contributions received — both at the hearings and through the online consultation — are being evaluated by the SPI technical team and may be incorporated into the final version of the bidding notice.
The units covered by the project are currently managed by the parks coordination office, under the Secretariat of Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics (SEMIL). They are: Parque da Juventude Dom Paulo Evaristo Arns, Parque Estadual do Belém Manoel Pitta, Parque Ecológico do Tietê (Núcleo Engenheiro Goulart, Núcleo Maria Cristina Hellmeister de Abreu, and Núcleo Itaim Biacica), and Parque Engenheiro Antônio Arnaldo de Queiroz e Silva (Núcleo de Lazer Vila Jacuí).
The documents with full details of the project are available on the SPI website (www.parceriaseminvestimentos.sp.gov.br) and in the project’s data room. To access the virtual environment with complete materials, it is necessary to request it by email (parquesurbanos@cpp.sp.gov.br), providing personal and institutional information.
Upgrading the parks
The proposed model provides for a 30-year contract, with investments exceeding R$ 144.7 million, of which R$ 60.4 million will be made in the first four years. Improvements include modernization of existing structures, expansion of leisure areas, installation of sports equipment, and provision of new services aimed at enhancing users’ quality of life.
The remuneration of the future concessionaire may also include a public payment of up to R$ 23.7 million per year, conditional on meeting performance goals and indicators.
More inclusion and environmental sustainability
The creation of accessible urban spaces committed to sustainability is at the core of the proposal. Requirements include accessibility adaptations such as ramps, adequate restrooms, visual, tactile, and audible signage, as well as transportation options for people with reduced mobility.
On the environmental front, the project calls for rainwater reuse, use of solar energy, low-consumption lighting, and waste management focused on recycling and composting. Works must follow standards that minimize environmental impact.
The bidding notice is expected to be published by the end of the second half of the year, with guidelines for hiring suppliers — prioritizing local companies with environmental certifications. The winning concessionaire will also be required to implement an environmental education plan with activities that value the natural, historical, and cultural heritage of the parks.
Aquatic complex at Parque Ecológico do Tietê
One of the highlights of the project is the revitalization and reopening of the aquatic complex at Parque Ecológico do Tietê, closed since 2013. The measure addresses a historic demand from park visitors and includes pools for recreation, sports, and children’s use. The location will also feature new courts, an athletics track, and other leisure facilities. With an area ten times larger than Parque Ibirapuera, the space is located in the East Zone and was inaugurated in 1982 with a design by Ruy Ohtake.