Medellín’s ambitious Gran Parque Medellín project is now underway with a massive investment of approximately $48.5 million USD. This blog provides an exclusive look at the future of the Aeroparque Juan Pablo II, which is being transformed into a world-class sports and recreation hub with a sea-like aquatic zone. Learn about the key features and prepare your best beach luggage for its grand opening in 2027.

Gran Parque Medellín: The New Sport and Recreation Hub with a Beach

As an expat living in Medellín, you already know how this city perfectly mixes vibrant urban life with stunning natural beauty. Something really exciting is on the horizon that’s going to take Medellín to the next level. Mayor Federico Gutiérrez just announced a huge project to transform Aeroparque Juan Pablo II into the amazing Gran Parque Medellín, a massive new urban park that’s set to become a worldwide hotspot for sports, fun, and relaxing hangouts. And here’s the kicker: it’s bringing the “sea” to Medellín, complete with a huge aquatic area, upgraded sports spots, and tons of green space to enjoy.

What is the Gran Parque Medellín Project?

It’s hands down the most ambitious urban makeover Medellín has seen in recent years. The project transforms the old Aeroparque Juan Pablo II into a cutting-edge sports and recreation hub that’s set to wow locals and visitors alike. With a hefty investment of over 195 billion Colombian pesos, this isn’t just any park renovation; it’s a massive effort to create a world-class destination for sports, fun, and relaxation right in the city.

Why all the buzz? Medellín is a city known for its beautiful mountains and vibrant culture, but one thing it’s famously missing is the sea. Gran Parque Medellín tackles that head-on by bringing an ocean-inspired aquatic area, complete with a beach, right to the heart of the city.

And here’s the best part: this new park is for everyone. Locals, expats, and tourists can all enjoy the integrated recreational spaces, from green parks to sports facilities. It’s quickly shaping up to be a must-visit spot and a fresh highlight on Medellín’s growing list of tourist attractions.

What Makes the Aquatic Zone the “Sea” of Medellín’s Public Spaces?

The biggest buzz about Gran Parque Medellín? Without a doubt, it’s the incredible aquatic zone, a fresh twist that brings the feel of the sea right into the city.

Imagine 17,000 square meters of water designed to mimic a sparkling sea, complete with a sandy beach area where you can kick back and soak up the sun. At the heart of this watery paradise is the city’s largest wave pool, spanning over 2,500 square meters – a giant wave pool for all your splash-filled fun.

But this isn’t just about lounging by the water. The park will also feature four brand-new swimming pools, including two Olympic-sized and two semi-Olympic pools, making it a hotspot for competitive swimming and serious training.

Whether you’re into recreational swimming, snorkeling, water polo, synchronized swimming, diving, kayaking, or just looking to try something new, the aquatic zone will have it all. It’s a bold, innovative addition that’s truly going to make Gran Parque Medellín stand out as a one-of-a-kind sports and recreation destination.

What New Sports and Recreation Facilities Will Gran Parque Medellín Offer?

Gran Parque Medellín isn’t just about water fun; it’s gearing up to be a top-tier destination for sports lovers too. So, what sports can you expect to find here? The park’s offerings are expanding big time, growing from 26 to an impressive 39 different disciplines.

One of the first upgrades is already underway with the complete renovation of the Mariana Pajón BMX track and the María Luisa Calle Sports Complex, bringing these iconic spots back to life starting this year.

For runners, cyclists, and triathletes, the park’s jogging and cycling circuits are doubling in length, from 1.5 kilometers to a full 3 kilometers each perfect for training or just enjoying a scenic workout.

With all these new and improved facilities, Gran Parque Medellín is shaping up to be a game-changer for anyone wanting to stay active, locals and expats alike, making it an exciting new hub for sporty lifestyles in Medellín.

When Will Gran Parque Medellín Open?

This is the big question everyone’s asking: when can we start enjoying Gran Parque Medellín? The official word is that the entire project is set to be completed in the first half of 2027.

The transformation won’t happen overnight; it’s rolling out in phases. The renovations of the Mariana Pajón BMX track and the María Luisa Calle Sports Complex are already underway and expected to wrap up this year, giving a sneak peek of the exciting changes ahead.

What Does This Major Urban Development Mean for Expats in Medellín?

Whether you already call Medellín home or are thinking about moving here, this project is a big win for your quality of life.

Gran Parque Medellín will offer a fresh, vibrant space with world-class sports facilities, tons of green areas, and more than 2 kilometers of pedestrian paths perfect for walking, jogging, or just exploring. Imagine having 81,000 square meters of new public and green spaces to relax, socialize, and enjoy nature right in the heart of the city.

This park is a clear sign that Medellín is all about forward-thinking urban innovation and creating incredible communal spaces for everyone to enjoy. We’ll keep you updated as construction progresses and new features open, so you won’t miss a thing on this exciting new chapter in the city’s development.

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Other things to see and do in Colombia

Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
Feria de Las Flores Medellin – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
Salento and the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.

The Bottom Line: Gran Parque Medellín: The New Sport and Recreation Hub with a Beach

Medellín is a city that never stops evolving, and Gran Parque Medellín is the latest and most exciting chapter in that ongoing story. This isn’t just another urban development; it’s a powerful statement about Medellín’s commitment to creating beautiful, functional public spaces and its vision to lead the way in urban innovation.

For expats, locals, and tourists alike, the transformation of Aeroparque Juan Pablo II into Gran Parque Medellín means a brand-new hotspot packed with things to do, from world-class sports facilities to relaxing green areas and a unique “sea” in the city.

As the project moves forward, we’ll be right here sharing every update. So, stay tuned for more news and get ready to experience one of Medellín’s most spectacular new attractions. The future looks bright, and Gran Parque Medellín is the place to be!