A fresh outdoor space designed for outdoor living and well-being
The Parque Urbano do Parchal (Parchal Urban Park) officially opened in March, with hundreds of people turning out to explore the new outdoor space.
The new park covers 33,000 square metres – roughly the size of three football pitches – and has already become a favourite for local residents and families to enjoy the outdoors daily.
The park includes a wide range of facilities, featuring a 1,500m cross-country track that can be used for leisure as well as by local sports clubs for training. There are large green areas, several rest zones, multiple picnic spots, street workout areas, an outdoor gym, children’s playgrounds, and a snack bar with restrooms set to open soon.
At the heart of the space is a central lake, covering 990sqm, with views towards the city of Portimão.
The park is located in the Passagem neighbourhood (Urbanização da Passagem), behind the former Arade Congress Centre, now renamed the Lagoa Congress Centre.
The opening ceremony brought together local officials, community groups and residents, including José Apolinário, president of the Algarve’s Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR), in what was described as a lively and well-attended event.
Speaking at the launch, Lagoa mayor Luís Encarnação highlighted the importance of the project for the municipality’s future, describing it as “the first step in a clear strategy for the municipality, focused on creating more green spaces and improving quality of life. We are building a more sustainable, more balanced municipality, better prepared for the future.”
He added that the park is designed to be used by everyone, every day.
“We want this park to be part of daily life – for our families, our young people, our seniors, but also for those who visit us. This is an open, inclusive space, designed for everyone to enjoy.”
The environmental focus of the project was also highlighted, with the planting of 525 trees and more than 14,000 shrubs, mainly Mediterranean species suited to the local climate and requiring less water.
“This is also an example of the environmental policy we want to implement. We have invested in efficient solutions, such as smart irrigation and permeable surfaces, and prepared the park for water reuse, ensuring responsible resource management,” he said.
The park represents an investment of around €2.8 million, co-funded under the Portugal 2030 programme, and features a high-efficiency drip irrigation system and real-time monitoring technology.
Parchal Urban Park is open daily, from 7am to midnight in summer and until 11pm in winter.
Article originally published by Michael Bruxo for The Resident.
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