Renovated Parque César Manrique unveiled in Tinajo

The renovated Parque César Manrique in Tinajo has officially reopened following a €1.63 million refurbishment that has improved accessibility, modernised facilities and created new spaces for recreation and community events.

The Cabildo officially unveiled the transformed Parque César Manrique, popularly known as Parque El Calvario, on Monday following the completion of renovation, accessibility and modernisation works.

Cabildo president Oswaldo Betancort, vice president and head of Planning and Project Coordination María Jesús Tovar, and Tinajo mayor Jesús Machín attended the reopening to view the completed project. The ribbon was cut by residents of the Tinajo Senior Citizens’ Residence, which is located next to the park and will benefit from the improved public space.

Betancort said: “this project clearly reflects the model for the island that we advocate: a Lanzarote that moves forward without sacrificing its identity and that is committed to sustainability, accessibility, and quality as the fundamental pillars of its development.”

Tinajo mayor Jesús Machín thanked the Cabildo “for fulfilling the commitment and agreement made several years ago to renovate and repurpose Parque César Manrique. It now features open spaces for strolling and is integrated with the senior living facility so that the residents can use it. In addition, we have worked to ensure the park is accessible to them by removing architectural barriers; they will also be able to enjoy fitness equipment, and in the coming months, the complete renovation of the playground will be completed, and more shaded areas and calisthenics equipment will be added. We have an outdoor stage for performances, complete with a stage and dressing rooms, and in the coming days, a café located very close to the playground will be put up for auction.”

The project was completed at a cost of €1,631,212.08 and was financed through the European Union’s Next Generation EU funds.

Accessibility and new facilities

The refurbishment has removed architectural barriers throughout the park with the construction of adapted entrances, ramps, accessible pathways, stairs and safety handrails.

More than 3,350 square metres of stamped concrete paving has been laid, while new planters filled with topsoil and volcanic ash have been created and planted with native species suited to the local environment.

The upgraded park also includes a sports area with a cycle lane and calisthenics equipment, a new outdoor stage for cultural events, and a building that will house a café with the necessary facilities.

To provide additional shade, seven wooden and steel pergolas and six fixed stainless steel pergolas have also been installed throughout the park.