- Torrevieja City Council rejected a €9,000 compensation claim by a man who alleged injuries from falling while attempting to jump out of Doña Sinforosa park.
- The council cited clear closing hours publicly posted and available on the municipal website.
- Police reports indicated the man was outside the park when found and showed signs of intoxication, contradicting claims he was locked inside.
- Doña Sinforosa is one of the few parks in Torrevieja with perimeter fencing and specific opening hours.
- Residents often file claims for public service issues; many are denied administratively before potential judicial proceedings.
Torrevieja Denies Compensation Claim Regarding Doña Sinforosa Park Incident
Torrevieja, Spain – The City Council of Torrevieja has officially rejected a €9,000 compensation claim filed by a man who alleged he suffered injuries after falling while trying to escape from Doña Sinforosa park. The incident reportedly occurred on June 10, 2024, but after reviewing the case, the council’s governing board denied responsibility for any damages.
Background of the Incident
According to Federico Alarcón, councilor and spokesperson for the governing board, the claimant stated that he was locked inside doña Sinforosa park and had to jump over the perimeter wall and fence to get out, resulting in injuries. However, municipal reports and local police investigations reveal contradictory details.
- The park’s operating hours are visibly posted at its entrance and listed on the official municipal website. At the time, the park closed at 9:30 PM.
- The man’s presence outside the fence was confirmed by the Local Police,who found him lying on the ground outside the park perimeter.
- Technical reports do not confirm that the man had jumped the fence or had been inside the park prior to his fall.
- Police noted the individual was in a clear state of intoxication.
Why Was the Compensation Denied?
The City Council based its rejection of the claim on several arguments:
- Clear Park Closing Hours: The claimant’s “obligation was to leave the park before closure,” and the times were clearly indicated.
- Lack of Proof of Lock-in or Injury Within the Park: Reports show the man was found outside, and no evidence suggests the park was left locked behind him or that he had jumped out.
- Proper Functioning of Municipal Services: The council found no failure in the operation or management of the park facilities.
- Failure to Follow protocol: The usual procedure involves calling Local Police to open the gates if trapped; this was not done in this case.
Doña Sinforosa Park: An Overview
Located near the popular Acequión beach area, Doña Sinforosa park stands out in Torrevieja due to its unique romantic-style design.With an area of approximately 8,800 square meters, the park features century-old eucalyptus and pine trees and is one of the city’s most heavily wooded green spaces.
The park is also among the few in Torrevieja that enclose visitors with a perimeter fence rising about 2.5 meters featuring a concrete base and wrought iron spikes. Other similarly fenced parks include:
- Parque de la Estación
- Parque de las Naciones
- lo Albentosa (La Mata)
- parque de la Siesta
claims Against Public Services in Torrevieja
Reclamations for damages due to alleged municipal service failures are commonplace in Torrevieja, with dozens submitted annually.Common claims relate to:
- Falls due to pavement defects in public streets.
- Vehicle damage caused by road conditions.
- Falls caused by falling branches or debris.
Nonetheless, the majority of these cases are denied during internal administrative procedures before any judicial review. This particular claim is no exception.
| Common Claims in Torrevieja | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|
| Falls on public pavements | Mostly denied internally |
| Vehicle damage from roads | Often rejected by municipality |
| Injuries from falling branches | Rarely compensated |
What To Do If You Feel Locked Inside a Park
If you ever find yourself inadvertently locked inside a public park like Doña Sinforosa, authorities recommend:
- Remain calm and look for an emergency phone or contact point.
- Call the Local Police or municipal emergency services for assistance.
- Avoid trying to climb fences or walls to prevent injuries.
- check park operating hours before visiting and plan exit times accordingly.
Conclusion
The Torrevieja City Council has made it clear that they will not accept liability when park rules and regulations are respected and evidence dose not corroborate claims. The recent case involving Doña Sinforosa serves as an crucial reminder to visitors about public park hours, safety, and proper procedures in case of emergencies. By adhering to established guidelines, residents and tourists alike can enjoy the city’s parks safely and avoid similar incidents.
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