Ferris Wheel in Mexico City's Iconic Chapultepec Park Sparks Neighborhood War Marti Quintana - EFE
go to original February 29, 2016

The Gran Rueda CDMX, a 60-meter (197-foot) Ferris wheel in Mexico City's iconic Chapultepec Forest, promises visitors a unique view of the capital, with the project's supporters saying it will boost tourism and help preserve the park.

On paper, this venture is a sure bet. It is described as a private investment project worth 200 million pesos ($11 million) that, without cutting a single tree, will generate 8 million pesos ($430,000) in annual revenues for the park from the leasing of an area currently used as a parking lot.

Neighborhood organizations and local lawmakers, however, contend the giant Ferris wheel will have an impact on the environment and the historical heritage of a district rich in museums and iconic buildings, along with the fact that the contract was awarded without bidding or input from the public.

"This is an offense against the historical legacy of Mexico City ... We could never imagine that the government would want to stick its hands in the only green space" in the city, La Voz de Polanco community association representative Virgilio Pasotti told EFE.

The grassroots group argues that the Ferris wheel will violate zoning regulations by privatizing a public space, increase congestion in an already high-volume traffic area and have a negative impact on the urban landscape, obstructing the view from Paseo de la Reforma of Chapultepec Castle, where the National History Museum is located.

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