The arrival of the urban rail system in San Juan has significantly reshaped the city’s urban fabric, spurring new residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments along the train’s linear corridor. These emerging urban hubs, centered around the train stations, present opportunities to revitalize nearby underutilized or abandoned public spaces that predate the rail system. One such opportunity is the recovery of a 1950s-era urban park located at the edge of San Juan’s financial district in Hato Rey, near residential communities. It is adjacent to Roosevelt Avenue, the main commercial artery that connects “La Milla de Oro” to the municipality of Guaynabo.

The project envisions the park’s transformation through the introduction of a central water feature that serves as both a contemplative and organizing element for the site’s various activities. On the Roosevelt Avenue side, the design includes a wide paved trail for cyclists and runners, complemented by seating areas and urban furniture integrated around preserved existing trees. The adjacent metro station’s commercial spaces, facing the park, offer potential for restaurants or other uses that could energize the public realm. Toward the residential edge, the proposal includes smaller-scale, landscaped paths with shaded areas for leisure and family activities. The water feature is intentionally aligned to visually penetrate the existing viaduct barrier, enhancing spatial connectivity. A pedestrian boardwalk is also proposed directly beneath the viaduct, utilizing the structure as a canopy to offer protection from sun and rain, while reinforcing a sense of continuity and accessibility across the park.