- Torrevieja initiates construction of a multifunctional floodable park in Aguas Nuevas urbanization.
- Phase one investment exceeds €1.2 million; expected to last 9 months starting September 2024.
- The park will retain up to 2,000 m³ of rainwater, helping prevent urban flooding.
- Features include a skatepark, rain gardens, native vegetation, and pedestrian-kind pathways.
- Phase two will add green areas with playgrounds,fitness zones,and bio-health exercises.
- The project aims to boost urban sustainability, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.
Torrevieja Embarks on Enduring Urban Project: New floodable Multifunctional Park
The city of Torrevieja takes a meaningful leap towards sustainable urban development with the declaration of a multifunctional floodable park designed to both manage stormwater efficiently and provide an accessible, vibrant green space for residents. This initiative, part of the municipal Plan Director de Pluviales (Stormwater Master Plan), will be located in the Aguas Nuevas neighborhood, bounded by Avenida de las Cortes valencianas, Avenida de La Mancha, and the streets Sancho panza and Dulcinea.
Two-Phase Development With Major Investment
The construction will roll out in two phases.The first phase,with a budget exceeding €1.2 million, is set to begin in September 2024 and is expected to last nine months.
- Phase 1: Installation of sports and leisure facilities plus sustainable drainage systems.
- Phase 2: Expansion to include additional green areas with children’s playgrounds, calisthenics, and bio-health fitness equipment (currently in planning).
Creating a Multifunctional Urban Oasis
The park is designed with a dual purpose:
- Water Management: The floodable park will act as a green infrastructure, retaining up to 2,000 cubic meters of rainwater. It incorporates a gravity-driven connected basin system that ensures efficient drainage and flood risk reduction.
- Community Space: A new safe, naturalized area for recreation, sport, and leisure.This includes a skatepark and skate bowl made from prefabricated concrete elements that serve as both recreational structures and components of the drainage system.
Enhancing Green Spaces and Biodiversity
The park will feature over 1,500 m² dedicated to rain gardens and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), prioritizing native plant species to enhance local biodiversity and ecosystem health. Key landscaping elements include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Existing Trees | 43 specimens preserved and integrated into landscaping |
| New Trees | 10 additional trees planted to increase canopy cover |
| Shrubs and Aromatic Plants | Over 2,100 units including lavender, rosemary, thyme, salvia, and more |
| Permeable Meadows | 250 m² of permeable grassland to support ecological functions |
| Acoustic Vegetal Barrier | 80 meters of Cupressus sempervirens along Sancho Panza street to reduce noise pollution |
Improving Urban Accessibility and Connectivity
Walkways will be paved with permeable materials to facilitate drainage, connecting key streets and providing attractive routes for pedestrians. the new paths will link Dulcinea,Sancho Panza,and Avenida de La Mancha to the existing paths on Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas,fostering greater neighborhood connectivity.
Looking Ahead: Phase Two Plans and Long-Term Goals
The upcoming second phase will expand the green space along Avenida Cortes Valencianas to Avenida del Sur, bringing more recreational and fitness amenities such as:
- children’s play areas
- Calisthenics zones
- Bio-health exercise stations
This phase will complete the park as a multifunctional community hub, promoting social interaction, wellbeing, and active lifestyles.
Championing sustainability and Community Resilience
With climate change increasing the frequency of heavy rains, cities like Torrevieja must adapt by integrating green infrastructure. This forward-thinking project embodies the city’s commitment to:
- Innovative sustainable water management
- Urban biodiversity enhancement
- Improved quality of life and recreational opportunities for residents
The partnership between the Torrevieja City Council and AGAMED (the municipal water management company) highlights the importance of combining environmental stewardship with citizens’ welfare.
For more detailed information, visit the original announcement at Alicante Plaza.