Park Güell, located in Barcelona, is a renowned public park designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Over the years, the park has faced challenges due to the high volume of visitors and the impact of mass tourism on its surroundings. To address these issues, measures have been taken to improve the park and its neighboring areas, with a focus on sustainability, cultural heritage, and community engagement.
The strategic plan for 2018-2022 has been instrumental in implementing over 200 steps to enhance the park’s environment. One of the key aspects of the plan is the allocation of 50% of the investment towards new initiatives aimed at improving the park and its surroundings. This includes measures in the neighborhoods of El Coll, La Salut, Vallcarca i els Penitents, El Carmel, and Can Baró in the districts of Gràcia and Horta-Guinardó.
In Gràcia, urbanization projects such as Coll del Portell, Font del Carbó park, and Torrent del Remei have been undertaken. Additionally, new passages like Pare Alegre-Antequera, Pícnic Park Güell with Marianao, and Passeig Turull with Coll del Portell have been created to enhance connectivity in the area. In Horta-Guinardó, urbanization projects on Carrer d’Albert Llanas and Carrer de Miquel dels Sants Oliver, as well as Plaça Raimon Casellas, have been completed to improve the neighborhood.
Efforts to reduce the impact of mass tourism and improve mobility have been a priority in the strategic plan. Online-only ticket sales, the Gaudir Més program, and a working group for mobility proposals have been implemented to manage visitor numbers effectively. Additionally, investments in greenery and biodiversity aim to protect the park’s natural and architectural heritage, with a focus on research and dissemination through the Fem Park program.
The strategic plan also aims to position Park Güell as a cultural space for local organizations, with initiatives to enhance the museum narrative and promote community engagement. The plan, which runs until 2026, coincides with events marking the centenary of Gaudí’s death and the park’s opening as a public space.
In terms of accessibility, measures have been taken to regulate access to the park, with free daily tickets available to Barcelona residents. Time bands for entry, restrictions on car parking, and the elimination of coach parking spaces have helped manage visitor numbers and reduce the impact of tourism on the park.
Overall, the strategic plan for Park Güell reflects a commitment to sustainability, cultural heritage, and community engagement. By investing in new initiatives and implementing measures to manage visitor numbers and improve mobility, the park is poised to continue serving as a vibrant and inclusive public space for the people of Barcelona.