2026News

ADN and Banco Popular inaugurate Sensory Park in Mirador del Sur

The Mayor’s Office of the National District (ADN) and Banco Popular Dominicano officially opened the Parque Sensorial Mirador Sur on 21 April 2026. The park area is a specialized recreational environment designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other sensory conditions. The space is specifically engineered to foster cognitive, emotional, and social development through sensory stimulation.

Located near Kilometer 0 and the Kinder Park, just meters from Anacaona Avenue, the 340 m2 facility was funded by RD$5 million from Banco Popular Dominicano.

The park serves as a benchmark for universal accessibility, featuring a perimeter metallic mesh fence for safety and specialized surfaces to accommodate all users. Key installations include:
• Interactive learning: Panels featuring Braille and sign language instructions.
• Tactile and auditory stimulation: Musical instruments (such as xylophones) and tactile exploration modules.
• Adaptive play equipment: Swings designed for wheelchair users, “nest” style swings, and specialized balance structures.
• Safety infrastructure: High-safety rubber flooring, accessible ramps, and LED lighting.
• Community amenities: Picnic tables and dedicated zones for sensory therapy.

Wider impact on Mirador del Sur infrastructure
Beyond the sensory park itself, Banco Popular invested an additional RD$10 million in complementary maintenance and upgrades for the surrounding Mirador del Sur park areas. This broader intervention included:
• Installation of 90 new lamps and upgraded IP security cameras.
• Renovation of the calisthenics and skate park zones.
• Construction of new restroom facilities and installation of waste bins.

A partnership for sustainable urban development
The project aligns with Banco Popular’s sustainability strategy and the UN Principles for Responsible Banking. Christopher Paniagua, executive president of Banco Popular, noted that development is measured by the tangible impact on people’s lives, while Mayor Carolina Mejía emphasized that the space not only aids child development but also sensitizes the community toward inclusion.

This inauguration marks the third intervention by Banco Popular in Mirador del Sur since 2021. Between 2021 and 2025, the bank has invested over RD$357 million to renovate 19 urban parks, benefiting an estimated 366,000 people across the Dominican Republic.

Read more in. Spanish:
City Government
Banco Popular

22 April 2026