Rincon de la Victoria opens huge new 30,000 sqm park with lake and 500-year-old trees

Rincon de la Victoria has thrown open the gates on the first phase of its long-awaited Parque del Mediterraneo, a sprawling green space covering almost 30,000 square metres that ranks among the largest in the area. Mayor Francisco Salado officially opened the site on Monday, July 13, describing it as a sustainable meeting point and a green lung designed to boost residents’ wellbeing.

A huge €4.7 million investment

Building the park cost €4,699,261 in total. Malaga council contributed one million euros of that sum, the remainder covered by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), part of the EU’s 2021–2027 funding round for Spain.

Salado has already confirmed plans for a second phase, which would triple the current footprint to a total of 96,620 square metres at a tendering budget of 8.4 million euros. Visitors can currently access the grounds from 7am to midnight in summer and 8am to 11pm in winter, with night-time security and a seven-strong daily maintenance team keeping things running smoothly.

Mediterranean forest with centuries-old specimens

Landscaping teams have planted and incredible 10,494 units of vegetation, including 687 trees, 80 transplanted and 607 newly planted, plus more than 5,000 square metres of lawns and meadow. Holm oaks, hackberries, olives, almonds, lavender and rosemary are all part of the Mediterranean forest design.

Two Chorisia specimens, commonly known as bottle trees, grab much of the attention. Originally from Argentina, these giants are reckoned to be over 500 years old, stand 5.5 metres tall and weigh more than 6,000 kilograms each. Three Brachychiton, three Ficus Nitida, a Nolina, also known as an elephant’s foot for its swollen trunk base, and six Ginkgo biloba trees, an Asian species prized as a living fossil, round out the collection. Shade structures made from awnings and pergolas cover 1,277 square metres to help visitors escape the summer heat.

Something for children, cyclists and skaters

More than 4,700 metres of pedestrian paths and an outdoor cycle lane connect the park’s various zones, complemented by ornamental fountains and over 450 linear metres of benches. A 3,500-square-metre artificial lake, fitted with ultraviolet water treatment, is one of the prettiest attractions, with a restored historic pool woven into the surrounding landscape.

Sport gets its own dedicated corner too, with a petanque area and 800 square metres of outdoor fitness equipment. BMX world champion Ruben Alcantara designed the skate and bike circuit, giving the park the perfect draw for younger visitors. A 1,000-square-metre multi-purpose square adds further space for events and gatherings, and a viewpoint offers sweeping outlooks across the park.

Children’s play equipment occupies 2,500 square metres and includes the tallest play structure in the town, a 10-metre tower aimed at older kids. Youngsters were the main focus during opening celebrations, which featured puppet shows workshops and entertainment.

To visit the beautiful new space you can find it at Torre de Benagalbon, next to Colegio La Marina and the Arroyo Benagalbon stream, between Calle Lebeche and Calle Pampero. For more information visit the Rincon de la Victoria town hall website.