Parque del Mar, a climate refuge still out of reach

19 July 2026

Seventeen summers without direct access

For seventeen summers we have asked for direct access to Parque del Mar from the adjoining neighbourhoods. In a city facing ever higher temperatures, we cannot keep accepting that a leafy green space with ample shade remains out of everyday reach for thousands of residents.

These six photographs show what is right in front of us but only accessible by a long detour: tree-covered paths, benches, greenery and a waterfall. It is a pleasant place to walk and rest on hot days and should be open and connected to our neighbourhoods.

An urgent demand as temperatures rise

Keeping this barrier in place for so many years goes beyond a planning delay. We see it as an example of ‘institutional mistreatment or violence’ because a responsible authority would urgently make the space available to the public.

We are especially concerned for those most vulnerable to heat: children, older people and people who are ill. We therefore address Alicante Mayor Luis Barcala and Transport Minister Óscar Puente directly. We ask them to stop postponing a solution that depends on the authorities’ willingness to work together.

Our demand is specific. We want safe access close to home so the southern neighbourhoods can use the green space they can already see.

Gallery