The Elpidio Valdés Children's Park, commonly referred to as Los Caballitos in Artemisa, has reopened its gates to the public under private management. The reopening event on Saturday attracted hundreds of families, with ride prices ranging from 100 to 500 Cuban pesos per ride.
This reopening was made possible through a collaboration between the Asociación del Proyecto de Desarrollo Local Sueños Mágicos and the medium-sized private enterprise Manu DyLara.
The idea for this initiative emerged in April when Lie Lara Ramos and her husband celebrated their child's first birthday at the park and saw its potential, as reported by the official newspaper El artemiseño.
"We were inspired, my husband and I, when we celebrated our child's first year in this park and recognized its potential; hence, upon approval of our proposal, we envisioned a space for recreation and enjoyment, primarily for children and also for families," Lara explained.
The renovation efforts included refurbishing the carousel, the star ride, and the flying chairs, as well as repairing the perimeter fence, benches, tents, and installing solar-powered lights, along with vibrant paintwork.
New attractions include the Dinotrony, dinosaur-shaped vehicles with batteries that can support up to 200 kilograms, and a 40-meter-long canopy designed and installed by the medium-sized company Grupo Olix.
"This is one of the best parks in Cuba due to its size and location," stated Yohanier Oliva Lago, head of Grupo Olix, noting that the facility is capable of adding a second canopy of the same type.
The park also offers traditional Cuban meals, ice cream, bread, pizza, toys, and clown entertainment, all managed by the state-run accommodation company overseeing the facility.
However, the opening day highlighted two significant issues: long lines from the entrance and for ticket purchases, and steep prices that spark debate amid Cuba's economic crisis, as recognized by the press.
"Childhood recreation is an unmet demand, and this park helps quench that thirst," acknowledged the report, while also noting that the inaugural experience "deserves many hands and wills, requiring thought and organization."
Paying 500 pesos for a single ride represents a substantial expense for any family in a country where the average monthly salary is around 7,000 pesos, equivalent to about 12 dollars at the informal exchange rate, while the basic food basket exceeds 96,000 pesos.
This trend is not unique to Artemisa. The Jalisko Park in Havana's Vedado neighborhood charges 1,000 pesos per person, equating to 4,000 pesos for a family of four.
A water park in Ciego de Ávila once charged 500 pesos for just 30 minutes of swimming for children.
In stark contrast, state-managed facilities have fallen into disrepair. El Mambisito Park in Holguín suffers from missing roofs, stolen benches, and out-of-service attractions, while the Los Caballitos park area in the same city has turned into an impromptu landfill.
Key Issues and Challenges of Cuban Amusement Parks
What led to the reopening of Los Caballitos in Artemisa?
A partnership between the Asociación del Proyecto de Desarrollo Local Sueños Mágicos and the private enterprise Manu DyLara facilitated the reopening, aiming to provide a recreational space for children and families.
Why are ride prices at Los Caballitos considered high?
The cost of 500 pesos per ride is significant in a country where the average monthly income is around 7,000 pesos, making it a considerable financial burden for families.
How do current amusement park prices in Cuba compare to state-managed facilities?
Privately managed parks like Los Caballitos and Jalisko Park charge high fees, while state-run facilities are often neglected and in poor condition, lacking maintenance and services.