Celebrating Plaza Galeras: A community space renewed in the Querétaro region

Colón, Querétaro, is celebrating the reopening of Plaza Galeras, a public space designed to bring people together for connection, learning, and well-being. The revitalized plaza reflects the shared vision of community members, local leaders, nonprofit partners, and Microsoft to create a space that meets the everyday needs of residents.

Revitalizing Plaza Galeras: the “heart of everything”

Plaza Galeras has long been the center of the community, where merchants set up their businesses every morning, parents wait for their children at the end of the school day, and neighbors sit and chat. Environmental educator Teresa Carapia Hernández reflects on the importance of this space: “The plaza is the only public space Galeras has. It has so much social life… this plaza is the heart of everything.”

Nación Verde, an organization with expertise in environmental restoration, led the restoration of Plaza Galeras. The plaza had fallen into a state of disrepair, recalls local resident Karina León González: “Before, it was really run down. The benches were broken; there was no shade.” The new Plaza Galeras serves as a vibrant hub for families, students, and older adults—a place designed for gathering, recreation, and community life. “The plaza is now something else entirely. It already looks beautiful. Mothers stay longer now: they talk, they spend time together. Merchants have more space,” says León González about the plaza renovation, which will benefit more than 3,500 residents.

The project integrates thoughtful features such as green infrastructure (urban gardens, pollinator gardens, and water harvesting) and improved amenities to support both environmental sustainability and long-term community use.

A celebration of community partnership

Community members participated in each step of the design process. Students from the Instituto Tecnológico Nacional de México, Querétaro Campus, assessed the plaza’s urban conditions; the community voted on each change; and Nación Verde guided the process. “Meetings were held, I helped take the minutes, and we gathered what people wanted,” says León González. “What they asked for most were play structures for the children and a kiosk.” While the kiosk wasn’t included, the plaza instead features a small, raised platform for community events like school closing ceremonies, celebrations, and other gatherings.

The redesigned plaza is part of a broader effort by Microsoft to make a positive impact in the Querétaro region through investments aligned with local priorities. Through collaborations with organizations like Nación Verde and education nonprofit Construyendo y Creciendo, the initiative connects environmental stewardship, education, and skills development directly to the community, helping to make growth in the region inclusive and locally relevant.

Learn more: Education, Technology and Green Spaces Transform Communities in Querétaro