The Barcelona City Council announced plans to build a distinctive turtle-shaped playground in the Nou Barris district, located between Chafarinas, Tamariu, and Palamós streets. This innovative project incorporates designs from students of the Institut Escola Trinitat Nova, developed through a participatory initiative under the Pla de Barris.
Children’s Vision to Transform Public Space
The idea for a turtle-shaped play area originated from a 2024 visit by Mayor Jaume Collboni to the Institut Escola Trinitat Nova. During this visit, 42 fifth-grade students presented their vision for improving their neighborhood, including a park featuring a large turtle play element. Two years later, these same children have had the opportunity to develop and refine their proposal through a participatory process facilitated by the Pla de Barris.
“This project perfectly embodies the vision of the Pla de Barris: transforming public spaces by listening to the community and incorporating the voices of children in the city’s construction,” stated Sara Belbeida, Councilor for the Pla de Barris. She emphasized that the new play area will be designed with accessibility, inclusivity, and community in mind.
Significant Investment and Community Impact
The construction of the turtle-shaped play space and the broader redevelopment of the surrounding area will involve an investment of approximately 2.5 million euros. The City Council estimates that over a thousand children residing in the neighborhood will directly benefit from this new facility.
Construction is scheduled to commence in the autumn of this year, with an anticipated completion date of September 2027.
Project Details and Features
The intervention area spans approximately 2,500 square meters, currently serving as a space for relaxation, strolling, and community activities adjacent to the Trinitat Nova metro exit.
Within this public space, specifically where existing bleachers are located, the main play structure will be installed. This iconic turtle-shaped element will cover a total area of 1,040 square meters.
Beyond the distinctive play structure, the revitalization of the surroundings will include increased vegetation, improved accessibility, and the creation of shaded areas and refreshing play zones, enhancing the overall environment of the plaza near the metro exit.
Multi-Level Play Experience
The play area will be divided into three stratified zones at different heights. The ground floor and the first level will be fully accessible, featuring a slide, a floating spiral ramp, a central circular hammock with a rope net, a fireman’s pole, and an integrated trampoline.
The second level will host a central climbing area with a rope network, evoking an organic spiderweb form, another fireman’s pole, a spiral staircase ascending from the ground to level two, and a mesh ramp. The third level will include a tube slide and a concave mirror for visual and sensory stimulation.
Additionally, the turtle’s head will consist of three wooden board walls separated by spaces and a lower esplanade, situated at the public space level. This area will feature various play elements such as a rectangular sandpit, a pentagonal wooden platform connected by a log bridge, and a circular rotating platform without railings.
The Barcelona City Council aims to create a vibrant and engaging public space that reflects the creativity and needs of its youngest residents, fostering a sense of community and providing a unique recreational experience in Nou Barris.
Source: https://www.larazon.es/cataluna/barcelona/dibujo-ninos-barcelona-convertira-parque-forma-tortuga-gigante_202605256a141fe83ce3f96345d64c3b.html
