The road to reopening the CMPC Papelero Stadium in Puente Alto, Metropolitan Region, Chile
Just prior to reopening, the Papelero Stadium in Puente Alto in the Metropolitan Region of Chile is currently in the start-up phase after a citizen consultation process with more than 80 neighbors chose it as the main center of recreational and sports activities in the community.
CMPC’s Papelero Stadium is offering activities that include an exclusive time slot for four educational establishments in Puente Alto in the Metropolitan Region of Chile, relaxation and movement activities for seniors, football classes run by the Educare Foundation as well as zumba, functional gymnastics and circus classes on Saturdays. These were launched in September when the latest reopening start-up phase began.
The Simon of Cyrene Foundation is in charge of the schedule, which came out of the “Our Dreams for the Papelero Stadium”, an event that brought a three-month citizen consultation period to a close. More than 80 community leaders, neighborhood associations, representatives from area schools and the Puente Alto municipality, trade union members and the risk prevention team participated. Their specific goal was to transform the Papelero Stadium into a place to spend leisure time with others while providing an inclusive and enriching space for the well-being and development of Puente Alto.
“The Papelero Stadium was built 80 years ago with the aim of giving the community a place for residents to grow and thrive. The fact that this interest has persisted until the present day motivates us to keep working on recreational, athletic, cultural and meeting spaces by and for Puente Alto,” said Martín Covacevich, CMPC Head of Community Relations.
One of the main conclusions drawn by community members was the need to make the stadium a family-friendly, safe and quiet environment that offers programs, activities and events to promote recreation and a sense of belonging for neighbors of all ages through the visibility and support of community initiatives. In addition to the activities offered by the Papelero Stadium, Puente Alto residents and CMPC collaborators can also make reservations for the different spaces within the facilities such as the event tent, the main building, the recreation and leisure areas, and the community garden.
“Our main reason for reopening the Papelero Stadium to our neighbors is for it to serve as a community meeting point. We want them to know this is a safe place for them to get together and enjoy spending time as a family. At the Simon of Cyrene Corporation, we believe in the importance of creating genuine meeting spaces that put communities at the forefront. For us, this stadium is more than concrete and buildings. It’s a beating heart at the center of our community. Together, we will create unforgettable moments and forge bonds that will last forever,” said Macarena Troncoso, National Director of Community Building at the Simon of Cyrene Foundation.
Holding culture group fairs, workshops during the summer, and artistic presentations were some of the more than 20 ideas that came through the citizen survey. Other proposals include creating an advisory council and setting up a suggestion box. Ideally, the ideas that came out of this process can be put into practice before reopening the sports venue.
