When it was officially launched to the public in September 2019, the vibrant colours dazzled in El Laurel Park. Shades of brown, orange, and pink were intermingled with the earthy tones of the ground, creating harmony with the surrounding nature. Features like wooden coverings were also incorporated in certain areas, providing seating options that, according to specialists, help to soothe children with functional diversity and specific needs.
Situated in the La Paz area of Puerto de la Cruz, El Laurel became the first inclusive park in the Canary Islands, encompassing 5,800 square metres designed to dismantle various barriers, whether physical, sensory, psychological, or related to social interaction.
The studio Jiménez-Bazán Arquitectos received an investment of €848,350 to transform the neglected park into a space that promotes integration. The park includes play areas divided by type and age; informative pictograms; sensory stimulation devices, some of which produce sound in relation to movement; slides of varying sizes; swings for sharing; pathways with minimal inclines for easy wheelchair access; and paved zones made with recycled rubber. Additionally, there is a dedicated section featuring aromatic plants, such as lavender, aimed at enhancing sensory experiences, along with signs in Braille to allow visually impaired individuals to identify different species. This project earned them the Innovation in Accessible Architecture Award, presented by Sinpromi.
The development of the park was overseen from the initial planning stage by Visión Azul, the Platform for an Accessible and Diverse Puerto de la Cruz, Asmipuerto, and the La Paz neighbourhood association. These local organisations communicated to the architects the challenges faced by families with children who have special requirements, and their insights were crucial in designing a space that includes everyone in play, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive capabilities.
The four groups approved the project, but today, five years later, they are the ones raising concerns about its poor condition, as it has devolved into a place primarily for dog-walking and a favourite spot for youngsters to gather for socialising and other meetings, rather than the vibrant inclusive area it was intended to be.
In 2019, the municipality was able to boast of having the first inclusive park in the Canary Islands. Sergio Mendez
In 2019, the municipality was able to boast of having the first inclusive park in the Canary Islands. Sergio Mendez
In 2019, the municipality was able to boast of having the first inclusive park in the Canary Islands. Sergio Mendez
Five years post-inauguration, the facility is facing considerable decline attributed to insufficient upkeep. S. Mendez
Five years post-inauguration, the facility is facing considerable decline attributed to insufficient upkeep. S. Mendez
Five years post-inauguration, the facility is facing considerable decline attributed to insufficient upkeep. S. Mendez
Five years post-inauguration, the facility is facing considerable decline attributed to insufficient upkeep. S. Mendez
Five years post-inauguration, the facility is facing considerable decline attributed to insufficient upkeep. S. Mendez
The hues are hardly distinguishable, some of the furnishings are damaged, and the tarmac is also in poor condition, creating a potential risk of slips and falls. Additionally, the Braille signage appears corroded and shows signs of wear. The lack of maintenance is evident throughout the premises—affecting both the furniture and the vegetation, which has flourished uncontrollably, with large branches obstructing access to several play areas and sections. This situation significantly deviates from the original aim of facilitating the inclusion of individuals with functional diversity, highlighting that the pursuit of inclusion remains an unfulfilled objective.
Moreover, the park continues to lack restroom facilities, despite this being a primary concern raised by users, and it has not been enclosed either, a measure that would ensure its protection.
The CC group at the Cabildo of Tenerife requested this just days following its opening to safeguard it from vandalism and maintain it in optimal condition; however, their plea was rejected by the then administration (PSOE and Cs). Their reasoning was that the installation needed to be completed. Years later, they promised to evaluate this option, yet it remains unrealised to this day.
Representatives from the Platform for an Accessible and Diverse Puerto de la Cruz – now known as the Platform for Accessible Municipalities – including Alexandra Delgado and Elia Sacramento echoed this concern. The
The latter asserts that “a secured park is a better-maintained park, particularly to prevent young people and adults from causing disturbances to residents or vandalising anything.”
Enclosure
Sacramento recalls that the Platform engaged with the authorities of the Urban Planning Consortium for the Tourist Rehabilitation of Puerto de la Cruz regarding the closure, “but that was where things stalled; there have been no further meetings or attempts to secure it due to disagreements between certain politicians, and the outcome is evident. In other municipalities, there are parks that close at set times without issue, leading to better upkeep and care,” he stresses.
He considers it vital that “the park is also looked after during the day, and the reality is that the council has neglected El Laurel park since its opening. There were necessary repairs that should have been conducted promptly, which is why it now resembles a jungle, as it has been left to its own devices.”
In his view, if funds are allocated but no maintenance occurs, it is “money wasted, thrown away, and this happens with numerous aspects of the city.”
His colleague concurs with all the criticisms and additionally contends that the enclosure is necessary to prevent escapism, behaviour often linked to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities. He further laments the lack of police oversight, resulting in the accessible parking spaces linked to the park being occupied by unauthorised individuals, thereby hindering access for those who genuinely require it.
Delgado stresses that “it is essential for this park to be accessible to individuals with disabilities who cannot use other parks. That is inclusion as well,” he affirms. The councillor of General Services, Alonso Acevedo (CC), acknowledges the “deplorable” condition of El Laurel park, “which has not just arisen recently, but has been an ongoing issue for quite some time.”
He confirms that the governing group (PP, ACP-CC) in the council is contemplating various options to restore it to a state in which it can be enjoyed. “Any enhancements that benefit the children who use the park are welcomed,” he states.
The councillor reassures that the government is concerned not only with this park but with numerous others within the municipality that are not in the condition they ought to be.
“All these spaces must be well-maintained but this one, being the sole inclusive park, must be in even better condition,” he underscores.
