The Parque Pascual Ortiz Rubio is a perfect geometric formal garden in the Del Valle neighborhood. It’s sometimes referred to as the Jardín Pascual Ortiz Rubio, because it’s so prolifically planted. But as it’s on the Avenida Félix Cuevas, it’s also sometimes called the Félix Cuevas Park.
It was rescued from the fate that the 1990s had consigned it to. A former abandoned somewhat sunken lot, in 1999, the layout was completed and everything was replanted. It’s been a banging favorite for residents ever since.
- Pascual José Rodrigo Gabriel Ortiz Rubio (1877-1963)was a geographer, historian, diplomat, and later a politician. He served as president of Mexico from 1930 to 1932. The last Mexican president to resign the office, he did so in protest against the machinations of Plutarco Elías Calles near the end of the Maximato period. History regards him well for having done so.
- Félix de las Cuevas González (1830-1918) was a Spanish businessman and philanthropist. He’s remembered in Mexico more simply as Félix Cuevas. Mostly remembered as a banker, he was instrumental to the foundation of the Bank of London, Mexico, and South America, and later the Banco Nacional Mexicano. His work in humanitarian and charity projects left a considerable impression on the people of Mexico. He’s also often cited as one of the founding members of the Casino Español.
The Parque Pascual Ortiz Rubio is just a block east of the famous President Aleman Housing Unit. Thus, it’s also just a block east of Metro Hospital 20 de noviembre. In the other direction, Metro Zapata is just about four short blocks away.
