Greece Creates Park to the Memory of the Mati Fire Victims

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Photo source: Prime Minister’s office.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades planted trees at the Mati Memorial Park currently under construction in the area of Mati, located on the east coast of Attica, which was ravaged by one of Greece’s deadliest fires in July 2018.

Biking and hiking trails, an open-air theater, and sports facilities will be created in the 32-acre area as part of plans for a Mati Memorial Park in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the fire. The once forested area which housed children’s camps was devastated by the fire that lead to the tragic deaths of at least 102 people.

The project, budgeted at 1 million euros, is made possible thanks to a donation by the Republic of Cyprus. Mitsotakis and Anastasiades visited the site to see the progress of works.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with Environment and Energy Deputy Minister Yiorgos Amiras. Photo source: Prime Minister’s office.

“Marked in the collective memory of our country as a location of great trauma, this park is being built today to partially heal the wounds,” said Mitsotakis, expressing his gratitude to Anastasiades.

“The Republic of Cyprus, as a sign of solidarity and love for the victims of this disaster, has deposited 10 million euros into a special fund to go towards the construction of 10 apartment buildings with 14 of apartments each,” said Anastasiadis.

Plans for the park also include planting 11,000 trees and shrubs in efforts to regenerate the lost forest, the creation of a beach volleyball court, mountain bike routes, playgrounds and an environmental awareness/education center, walking trails, rest areas and a parking space. The newly developed recreational space will also include archaeological finds from the wider Marathon, Nea Makri, and Rafina area.

Attica Governor George Patoulis. Photo source: Attica Region.

The Mati Memorial Park will be accessible to people with disabilities.

 “We have completed the planning related to restoration. By June, we will have completed the second phase of works,” said Deputy Environment Minister Nikos Tagaras.

Commenting on other actions taken, Deputy Environment Minister Giorgos Amyras said the memorial park will be equipped with thermal cameras which will be able to detect fire in real time at a distance of 2 kilometers.