Monterrey, a city in northern Mexico, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The city, which is set to host four World Cup matches, has improved public safety and turned a former prison site into a park. The Topo Chico prison, where 49 people died in a cartel battle, has been replaced by Liberty Park, a green space with trees, fields, and playgrounds.

A New Era for Monterrey

Residents and tourists are more concerned about traffic and smog than security in Monterrey. The city has invested heavily in policing and has experienced a broader economic rise, making it one of Mexico’s safest major cities. Francisco Rodriguez Castillo, a 66-year-old resident, recalled the riots, explosions, and helicopter patrols that once plagued the area. Now, he jogs in the park with a running group and marvels at children playing there well after dark.

The transformation of the prison site into a park is a testament to the city’s efforts to improve public safety and provide a better quality of life for its residents. The park, which was first opened in 2021, has been expanded to include a new playground and sports pitch ahead of the World Cup. Gala Jazmín Rojas Cruz, a 30-year-old lawyer, remembered the dangers of playing in the street as a child and the sound of gunshots that often rang out. She and other residents have worked to preserve the park and ensure that it remains a safe and welcoming space for children and families.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.