Date of label : 29/10/2024
The “Parc Central” adaptation in Igualada - Spain.
Summary
The “Parc Central” adaptation in Igualada exemplifies sustainable urban development through a participatory process involving children and youth. This approach highlights the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship in urban revitalisation. Featuring Europe's largest skatepark, a bio-lake, and groundwater repurposing, the project fosters biodiversity and enhances citizen wellbeing in the city centre. By integrating recreational spaces with ecological restoration, it addresses various urban challenges, promoting inclusivity, sustainability and active living.
The solutions offered by the Good Practice
This project transforms an abandoned urban space of 20 000 square meters into a European model for sustainable development, enhancing biodiversity and citizen wellbeing.
Initiated through a public consultation facilitated by the municipal school council, 3 500 children aged 3 to 18 from Igualada participated in the decision-making process. They chose to develop a large green and sustainable area, emphasising the importance of youth engagement in urban sports spaces.
This participative approach has enabled the transformation of the area, known as Parc Central. Here are three key elements:
1. Functional urban environment
Parc Central now hosts Europe's largest skatepark and pump track, fostering urban sports participation and community engagement. As reflected in its strategic plan, the city wants youngsters in the city centre.
2. Urban oasis
A bio-lake reuses groundwater, creating a climatic refuge and supporting a natural ecosystem with environmental benefits. This is part of efforts to become the most green city of Spain, and reduce extreme summer temperatures, which can reach nearly 42 ºC.
Features include an insect sanctuary, butterfly garden, bird roosts and green spaces, forming an urban wetland with scientific support from the University of Barcelona.
3. Health-promoting urban realm
Designated walking circuits and sports spaces promote physical wellbeing and health-oriented tourism.
Building on the sustainable and integrated urban approach
This practice combines environmental, economic and social elements, taking a sustainable, integrated approach. For example:
Environmental dimension:
- Groundwater reuse, creating a bio-lake within Parc Central: This innovative water management strategy promotes conservation by reducing reliance on external water sources and minimising the environmental impact of water consumption, enhancing resource efficiency and resilience.
- Ecological restoration, establishing green spaces: These efforts boost biodiversity and ecosystem services, supporting pollinator populations, improving air quality, and mitigating the urban heat effect.
Economic dimension:
- Tourism Promotion: Parc Central has become a vibrant hub for urban sports and recreation, attracting visitors. The park hosts urban sports and international events, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Its maintenance also provides employment opportunities for local residents.
Social dimension:
- Empowering community: Through an inclusive process, the project ensures alignment with the community's needs. By giving youth a voice in urban planning, it fosters a sense of ownership, strengthening social bonds and a shared vision for the future.
- Enhanced wellbeing: The transformation into a dynamic sports and recreation hub enhances public health and vitality. Accessible walking paths and state-of-the-art sports facilities promote active living, combating sedentary lifestyles and improving overall health.
Based on participatory approach
Evidence of a participatory approach in project development and implementation is demonstrated through the involvement of diverse stakeholders, including schoolchildren, the municipal school council, Universitat de Barcelona, World Skate Federation, and Agencia Catalana de l'Aigua.
The participatory process begins with a public consultation facilitated by the municipal school council, engaging schoolchildren to gather their perspectives on Central Park's transformation. Concurrently, collaboration with Universitat de Barcelona ensures scientific input and expertise in ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Furthermore, a partnership with World Skate Federation contributes insights and standards for skatepark design and urban sports facilities. Additionally, cooperation with Agencia Catalana de l'Aigua ensures sustainable water management practices, such as groundwater reuse for the bio-lake.
Through workshops, surveys, and collaborative discussions, these stakeholders work together synergistically to co-create Central Park, ensuring that the project aligns with community needs, environmental sustainability, and international standards in urban development and sports infrastructure.
What difference has it made?
The transformative impact of this practice is remarkable. It has infused Parc Central with new vitality, built on inclusivity, sustainability and community empowerment. Once a neglected urban space, Parc Central has become a beacon of vibrant activity, offering recreational opportunities for residents of all ages, genders, interests and backgrounds.
Around 1 500 people now use this urban space daily, participating in 42 public events during the year.
The practice's commitment to sustainability has revitalised the park and safeguarded its ecological integrity for future generations. Innovative ecological restoration measures and the creation of green spaces have transformed Parc Central into a sanctuary for biodiversity. The park's climate islands have reduced temperatures by 2-4 ºC, mitigating the urban heat effect.
Parc Central has emerged as a lively cultural hub. Activities attract visitors from far and wide, injecting renewed energy and excitement into the local community, invigorating businesses and fostering economic growth.
The true essence of the practice lies in its ability to empower the community, particularly its youth, to actively shape the future of their city. By engaging schoolchildren in the decision-making process, the practice encourages ownership and pride.
Why this Good Practice should be transferred to other cities
This is a holistic model for urban revitalisation that prioritises community engagement, sustainability and wellbeing. The participatory process ensures that community voices are heard, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusivity which can be replicated in other urban contexts. The practice can be adapted to EU towns and cities that are striving for inclusive, resilient and environmentally friendly urban development – whatever their size.
The focus on sustainable development aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 Good health and wellbeing, SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation, SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 13 Climate action, and SDG 15 Life on land.
By promoting physical activity, helping improve public health, the project also aligns with the Urban Agenda for the EU's objective of creating healthier cities. And, by enhancing biodiversity, it supports the EU Territorial Agenda's goal of promoting balanced territorial development.
The practice is linked to Igualada's Local Plan for Childhood and Adolescence of 2018, in line with regional goals for youth engagement and environmental sustainability. This also facilitates its potential transfer to other cities.
To adopt this practice successfully, cities will require conviction, visionary leadership, and political courage to transform urban spaces into sustainable and sports-friendly environments. It will entail empowering citizens, especially the youth, to participate in shaping their communities. Additionally, it necessitates comprehensive documentation, stakeholder engagement, and adaptations for each local context.