Residents’ demand comes to light: refurbishment of Jardines Bacardí in Les Corts

Those of us of a certain age who are also residents of the Les Corts neighbourhood remember the Bacardí Gardens as playground time. The time for recess, for endless afternoon snacks in this large space, for meeting up on our own because there was no danger in the street alongside other children from neighbouring streets, and it also brings back memories of play.

There were no mobile screens or anything like them, and so enjoying the outdoors and being in contact with neighbours was the best thing. Around the park there was a kiosk and a small stall where you could buy sweets, and inside, a large green area with swings, a skating area, and benches and trees to provide shade. That is history now.

Little of that remains in today's Bacardí Gardens, which over the years have suffered a lingering decline, with the resulting anger of residents. Now few children go there to play; there is a dog park, and groups of teenagers gather late at night. It is also a route through to Camp Nou, and little else.

The remodelling of the Bacardí Gardens

Since Barcelona City Council announced the park's remodelling very recently, thanks to the demands of residents who have been calling for a change in the area for years, joy has returned to the neighbourhood.

The works, which will begin in September and last approximately one year, will have two distinct spaces, one beside the other, to expand this large green area. Overall, the surface area will be around 12,000 m²: one of 4,033 m² and the other of 7,811 m².

Green area for sport

One of the spaces in the future Bacardí Gardens is a small-scale sports area. It is not a sports centre or anything similar (something that is also scarce in the area, especially publicly), but a space with small-format apparatus and equipment, which in fact existed until recently, intended for older people.

There will be a sports court within an open area surrounded by vegetation, on Benavent Street. This will allow access to the park by removing the current car park, which will open up the area so that there is a little more space and a green area.

Other uses of the park

We have seen one area; the second will have, according to Barcelona City Council, a large clearing that will serve as a shaded intersection through the construction of a removable shade structure.

This will allow new uses so that the Festival Circorts marquee, which is usually held every spring, and other events that take place in this area can be installed.

What many were hoping for, a park for children, will also become a reality. The remodelling project will bring together a children's play area. There will be a northern and southern play area, the latter in contact with the homes and ground floors of the surrounding streets.

The existing pétanque area will be retained and enlarged, going from 4 to 6 courts. It is an area that groups of both middle-aged and older people are already looking forward to, as they tend to gather there to play. Both areas will have more green spaces, as well as permeable paving. Residents eagerly await this remodelling, as well as other works for the wellbeing of the neighbourhood.