Rio de Janeiro City Hall presents the next phases of urbanization works in the Maré Complex.

Interventions from the first phase are underway with the construction of the Vila dos Pinheiros linear park and the implementation of a Territorial Post - Image: Press Release/Municipal Secretariat of Infrastructure

The Rio de Janeiro City Hall presented, this Sunday (September 6th), the next phases of the set of urbanization, leisure and environmental recovery works in the Complexo da Maré. The projects were defined in dialogue with the community and foresee works to improve the urban space and local infrastructure.

"These are urbanization, sewage, drainage, and water infrastructure projects that are changing the lives of the population of Maré, which has more than 140 people. Today, we are starting the construction of the Linear Park in an area that used to be a garbage dump and that families didn't frequent. The lack of dignity is being replaced by respect for the population," stated the mayor of Rio, Eduardo Cavaliere.

The second phase of the program encompasses the urbanization of the Baixa do Sapateiro, Nova Maré, Timbau, and Praia de Inhaúma (Conjunto Bento Ribeiro Dantas) neighborhoods. This includes road rehabilitation works with new paving, widening and improvements to sidewalks, as well as the creation and revitalization of squares, plazas, and community spaces, the expansion of green areas, urban afforestation, and the implementation of new public spaces. These actions are aligned with the concept of a System of Open Spaces, which seeks to connect public areas, urban facilities, and the environmental landscape, strengthening the social and environmental function of the spaces in Maré.

Among the planned interventions are improvements to Rua Evanildo Alves, transforming a section into a pedestrian walkway; improvements to Rua do Canal; the requalification of Praça 18 and its surroundings; and the reorganization of parking on Rua da Paz. This phase also includes the creation of a Linear Park on Rua Tancredo Neves aimed at children and senior citizens, repurposing spaces for public use with hammocks, benches, children's playground equipment, and an outdoor gym. The requalification of the square on Avenida Bento Ribeiro Dantas is also planned.

"It's an important project, with a total investment of R$ 172 million. And now, we're announcing the second phase, with an investment of around R$ 90 million for the urbanization of the Timbau region, Baixa do Sapateiro, and the area surrounding the Vila Olímpica da Maré," explained the Secretary of Infrastructure, Wanderson Santos.

The project also includes the renovation of the Olympic Village, with the upgrading of the multi-sports courts, the creation of a circuit for running, walking and cycling; and an inclusive sensory park for people with autism spectrum disorder. The works will also promote a cycle path connection to Ilha do Fundão, through a ramp for pedestrians and cyclists, stimulating the relationship between the residents of Maré and the University City. The estimated investment in the second phase of the works is R$ 88,4 million and the bidding process is scheduled for October 16th.

The third phase of the program includes the Linear Park of the Bike Path, the requalification of the Pontilhão and Vila dos Pescadores, as well as the implementation of infrastructure in the Obrinha locality. The new linear park will have a total area of ​​over 56 square meters, with various facilities and spaces for socializing, such as a bike path, bicycle parking, areas for events and commerce, an eco-point, barbecue grills, a dog park, sports courts, a skate park, green areas, and leisure areas. This park will connect the other two parks of the program, from phases 1 and 2, creating a large leisure area in Maré.

The works in Vila dos Pescadores will benefit an area of ​​over 3,1 square meters with urban redevelopment, including the installation of a floating pier, the creation of huts, a chapel, restrooms, a kitchen, a local memory center, and hammock areas.

Marlí Peçanha, sub-mayor of the Large Complexes, highlighted the community's participation in the development of the projects:

— Our role, as a public authority, is to actively listen to those who live in and know each community firsthand, engaging in dialogue with residents and community leaders so that interventions are increasingly connected to the real needs of the population. It's about presence, participation, and collaborative construction within the territories.

Ongoing construction in Maré

The first phase is underway with the implementation of the Vila dos Pinheiros Linear Park and the headquarters of the Territorial Post in Baixa do Sapateiro. The works are being carried out by the Municipal Secretariat of Infrastructure.

A degraded area on the shores of Guanabara Bay is being completely redeveloped and will soon give way to a new linear park, spanning over 13 square meters. The recreational area will feature multi-sports courts, a sand court, an amphitheater, a children's playground, community gardens, recycling points, a bicycle circuit, and social areas.

The space will be transformed into an environment focused on leisure, sports, and environmental education, especially for children and young people. Five municipal schools from the Fábrica de Escolas program operate nearby, reinforcing the educational and community-oriented nature of the project.