Historically, urban parks emerged as a response to the rapid growth of cities, public health problems, the population’s need for leisure, and the desire for contact with nature amid environmental deterioration. At the entrance of Parque Realengo, the remaining gateway of the former Cartridge Factory stands as a place of memory. It preserves the traces of a time of wartime production, but by being reinterpreted in the present, it signals the transformation of the space into an area for leisure, community interaction, and environmental preservation.
The discussion on climate justice also involves digital access, which strengthens the agency of the most vulnerable populations by enabling their participation in decision-making and their access to resources that contribute to more sustainable cities. In this context, the naves promote environmental education, social technologies, and community innovation.
Parque Realengo is located on part of the land where the Realengo Cartridge Factory (1898–1977) once stood. During the park’s construction, four ruins from the old factory were demolished, contradicting the initial proposal to preserve the historical circuit and to build a memory center based on those structures.
They were inspired by Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, and through them visitors can enjoy light and music shows. In the surrounding area, the water zone has become a major attraction thanks to the reflecting pool with water-spraying play features, providing refreshment on hot days.
The park’s land was expanded beyond its original boundaries, incorporating the left-side sidewalk. In this space, in 2019, local collectives created the Parquinho Verde Occupation, which transformed a dumpsite into a community area with a garden, compost bin, outdoor shower, barbecue grill, and event space. The memory of this occupation—now located where the Food Court, part of the sports courts, and the restrooms stand—reaffirms the struggle for the right to leisure and for the creation of the public park.
The promotion of physical activities in sustainably planned urban environments — with green areas and adequate infrastructure — is also connected to climate justice, since excessive heat, air pollution, and natural disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, increasing health risks.
Urban gardens are part of the right to the city and are usually maintained by residents, community associations, schools, and collectives. Integrated into the “Hortas Cariocas” project, managed by the Municipal Secretariat of the Environment, it carries out periodic harvests for registered residents.
The sign has become a symbol of the demand for the entire land to be transformed into a park. Half of the area has not yet been developed, and the movement seeks to ensure the preservation of the vegetation and the expansion of public space. The movement invites us to reflect on the importance of advocating, in other neighborhoods as well, for benefits that guarantee leisure, culture, and quality of life.
Graffiti artists transform the city’s walls into open-air galleries. Around 50 houses in the area surrounding Parque Realengo were painted by the artist Wagner Trancoso. From this, we can reflect on other artistic expressions in the neighborhood that may find in the park a space for convergence.
In 2022, more than 40 businesses were abruptly demolished without proper notice, harming families who depended on their income, even though the park’s original plan called for phased implementation. In response to mobilization by local movements, the area was rebuilt before the park was completed, giving rise to the Mercado Externo, with 11 of the 30 planned shops. The market has already received several architecture awards, demonstrating the importance of high-quality architectural projects in peripheral areas.
Climate justice provides the ethical framework that guides the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015 by the UN General Assembly as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They were created to guide global policies and actions that promote economic development, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
In the city’s history, parks and green areas have almost always been built in more privileged regions. The creation of Parque Realengo takes on special meaning because it reaffirms leisure as a fundamental right for all citizens, rather than a privilege restricted to a few neighborhoods. This achievement was the result of popular mobilization, since the land was originally intended for the construction of housing for military personnel, according to a Poupex project. Later, this plan was cut in half, and it was subsequently revealed that the park would occupy only 50% of the area.
Agenda Realengo 2030 is both an organized collective and a popular action plan. It is a document that outlines public policies for the neighborhood of Realengo, built through active listening to its residents. For more information, follow Agenda Realengo 2030 on social media and download the document.
In Realengo, we are close to one of the largest urban parks in the world, the Pedra Branca State Park — three times the size of Tijuca National Park and spanning 17 neighborhoods in the city, covering 10% of its total area. It was created in 1974 to preserve biodiversity.
The use of the barbecue grills in Parque Realengo must be scheduled in advance with the administrative office. Some of the rules include: only disposable cups, plates, and utensils are allowed. Glass bottles, knives, and other sharp objects are prohibited.
To explore another green area in Realengo, you can reach the Aqueduct (a 350-meter stretch) and the Barata Waterfall, in the Pedra Branca State Park, starting from Rua do Governo. From there, it is possible to enjoy a fascinating view of the neighborhood.
It is a digital platform designed to help people understand the climate crisis. With accessible language, illustrations, and chapters that connect the past, present, and future, it seeks to simplify the topic. Teachers, students, communicators, and managers will find resources to understand impacts and solutions. Visit eunice.oc.eco.br and share it.
