The Casa de Campo, in its enormous extension (1722.6 hectares) borders to the south with the district of La Latina and from now on it will have a more dignified entrance in this area. The park of Juan Carmona ‘Habichuela’ is completely regenerated and its great new attraction will be a playground in the shape of a guitar, giant slides and a double zip line designed for the little ones to jump over and over again. The work, already underway, involves an investment of more than 1.5 million euros and will turn this space in the Latina district into a real “entrance hall” to Casa de Campo, with more shade, more greenery and more outdoor activities.
The City Council wants this park to stop being a mere transit area and become an area where people want to be: some 17,000 square meters will be covered, with new accessible paths, elimination of architectural barriers and better connection both with the interior of the neighborhood and with the Casa de Campo. The intervention will directly benefit some 13,000 residents and will make it possible to reach Madrid’s great green lung on foot or by bicycle along a regenerated and friendlier promenade.
The project includes the planting of more than 110 trees, new flowerbeds, rest areas and the renovation of street lighting, street furniture and drainage, with sustainable solutions to make better use of rainwater. Forty-five benches, two fountains and 33 lighting points will be installed, creating a safer and more pleasant park both day and night.
The star element will be a large playground equipment that draws a giant guitar on the ground, a tribute to the flamenco guitarist Juan Carmona ‘Habichuela’, after whom the park is named. This large structure will combine platforms, nets, walkways and slides, so that the little ones can climb, slide and explore “on top” of a musical instrument turned into an adventure playground.
Next to it there will be long slides, a double zip line to cross the park at full speed and other play pieces that complete a children’s area designed for a wide range of ages. The design seeks a playful and intergenerational character, so that adults and children can share the space for play and relaxation.
Much more than swings: sport and play for all ages.
The new park will incorporate calisthenics areas for outdoor exercise, a specific petanque area, in addition to the existing ping-pong and basketball tables. The idea is that the space will be used at all hours and by a wide range of people, from the students of the nearby Hermanos Pinzón school to the neighbors who want to train, take a walk or simply chat in the sun.
The complex is topped off with a direct connection to the Sara Montiel Cultural Center, which reinforces the cultural dimension of the environment and makes it possible for the same afternoon to include library, cultural activity and play in the park without leaving the area.