ARCHIVED - Garden of Andalucia in Elche to undergo major revamp
€219,000 will be spent transforming Elche's central square in the Baix Vinalopó comarca of Alicante province on the Costa Blanca.
The Garden of Andalucia (Jardín de Andalucía) in Elche will be completely revamped to turn the central park into "an inclusive, modern and sustainable space" for everyone to enjoy.
The move follows public demand for an upgrade to open spaces in the municipality and El Toscar Neighbourhood Association has been involved in drawing up the plans.
As part of the renovations, the central pergola will be replaced using metallic and wooden materials while respecting the existing vines and bougainvillea.
Shade will be provided with the installation of a micro-perforated cover over the entire central ring of the square which will lose its current sports court appearance and will be given a different image, with a non-slip pavement.
Similarly, the street furniture will be modernised and there will be more seating to accommodate locals and visitors.
Improvements will be also made to the sustainability of the garden. While the large established trees will be maintained, the flowerbeds will be planted with species that require less water.
And more energy-efficient LED lights will be installed around the central pergola.
Playground equipment will also be replaced with "more inclusive", modern and adapted games, including a large tower with giant slides for children of all ages and abilities.
And the bio-healthy games will be repaired, with new additions, while the fenced area of the petanque courts will be enlarged.
The revamp is expected to take four months and work will begin in September.
Once finished, a smaller-scale modernisation scheme will take place at Plaza la Glea in La Marina and other public squares and parks across the municipality.
Elche is world-famous for being home to some 200,000 palm trees of many varieties, and El Palmeral de Elche - one of the largest palm groves in the world - is included in the list of UNESCO heritage sites.
IMAGE: Ayuntamiento de Elche