The Panamanian government has declared the construction of an artificial lake Panama project inside Parque Recreativo y Cultural Omar a matter of public interest. The Council of Cabinet issued Resolution No. 97 on September 15, 2026 and published it in the Official Gazette this Wednesday. The Ministry of the Presidency will oversee the study, design, and construction of the 2,500-square-meter water body.
The decision grants the project strategic priority for environmental and social reasons. Officials confirmed the lake will function as a reservoir while supporting local biodiversity and moderating surrounding temperatures. The plan also includes spaces for recreation, environmental education, and community gatherings.
Environmental Role of the Artificial Lake Panama Project
Parque Omar currently lacks any permanent body of water. The resolution notes that introducing this infrastructure for the first time expands the park’s environmental services in an unprecedented way. The lake will contribute to responsible water management and strengthen urban green infrastructure in the country’s principal urban park.
Documents filed with the Cabinet emphasize the project’s role in conserving a collective-use space. The government must secure prior approvals and permits before breaking ground. Environmental impact studies remain mandatory under Ministry of Environment oversight.
“The strategic interest of the State in this project is based on responsible water management, strengthening urban green infrastructure, and conserving a space for collective use, ensuring user safety and sustainable operation and maintenance” [Translated from Spanish]
Project Scope and Regulatory Requirements
The resolution does not specify the total investment amount or whether the construction will go to public tender. It does require collaboration from relevant entities, particularly the Ministry of Environment. Citizen participation obligations, safety protocols, and monitoring systems must align with applicable regulations.
The park serves as a key significant green spaces in Panama City. The artificial lake introduces a new category of public infrastructure to the recreational area. Government officials have not released a construction timeline.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The project will require environmental impact approval before any physical work begins. Authorities must demonstrate compliance with participation and control mechanisms established under Panamanian law. The Ministry of the Presidency leads the initiative while coordinating with environmental regulators.
Residents and park users will gain access to new recreational and educational amenities once construction concludes. The lake’s design includes provisions for biodiversity support and temperature moderation in the immediate surroundings. Cabinet members stressed sustainable operation as a core requirement for the project’s long-term viability.
In summary, the declaration of public interest accelerates administrative processes while maintaining environmental safeguards. The artificial lake represents a notable shift in how Panama manages urban green spaces and water resources within densely populated areas.