Attica Region Outlines Next Steps to Revamp Tritsis Eco Park

Photo source: Attica Region.

Actions to redevelop one of the largest green zones in Attica, the Antonis Tritsis Metropolitan Park located in the western suburb of Ilion, were presented this week by Attica Region Governor Giorgos Patoulis.

The park, still in disrepair despite nearly 30 years of government promises and pledges, is set to undergo much-needed upgrade works, which Patoulis said would be announced in the coming months.

During the event, Patoulis presented the three basic areas of focus on which the design proposals were based and went on to stress the importance of securing funding for the project, setting priorities and ensuring effective coordination.

Attica Governor George Patoulis speaking at the event. Photo source: Attica Region.

According to Patoulis, more than some 16,000 people visit the park on weekends. Presenting the model of the project, he said “serious steps of progress” will be made in the coming 12 months.

The Antonis Tritsis Environmental Awareness Park was completed in 1996, and includes fruit orchards, deciduous, and coniferous trees and shrubs, six lakes and wetlands, which are home to over 150 species of birds, as well as recreational spaces. It is seven times the size of the National Garden in central Athens, and nearly as large as London’s Hyde Park.

The eight key interventions tabled were:

Photorealistic proposal of the revamped Tritsis Park. Photo source: Giamakos Architects.

– creating an open-air market with shops, pavilions and playgrounds along the central pedestrian walkway

– creating a cycling path and launching park train routes

– replacing the pavement and making the park accessible to people with disabilities, bikers and pedestrians

Photorealistic proposal of the revamped Tritsis Park. Photo source: Giamakos Architects.

– converting a set of abandoned buildings into recreational areas, sports facilities and educational centers

– creating footpaths and trails in the forested area of the park

– showcasing the former royal palace buildings and converting these into educational and environmental awareness centers

– upgrading and expanding the current open-air theater and surrounding area

Photorealistic proposal of the revamped Tritsis Park. Photo source: Giamakos Architects.

– opening the large area of crops, orchards and vineyards as well as a botanical garden to schools and academic institutions so that pupils and students will be able to get a full immerse farming experience.

Cooperating with the Attica Region will be the Agricultural University of Athens and the University of Western Attica. The development plan presented during the event will be open for public comment for a period of two months.

Photorealistic proposal of the revamped Tritsis Park. Photo source: Giamakos Architects.

During the event, a model of the park was presented and 32 studies carried out by university students. Awards accompanied by cash prizes went to the proposals of the Green Ribbon team (1^st place), Mandarin’s Park (2^nd place) and Rabbit’s Tracks (3^rd place).

“Tritsis Park is not only as an oasis, a green space of tranquility, but also a major intervention that will improve citizens’ everyday life on all levels,” said Patoulis.

Photorealistic proposal of the revamped Tritsis Park. Photo source: Giamakos Architects.

In 2019, the Greek environment ministry approved the first in a series of decisions for the park’s redevelopment setting out the basic guidelines and specifications which included the construction of cultural and sports facilities, public spaces, parking areas, religious sites, cafeterias, renewable energy facilities, recycling corners and Green Points, children’s camps, lodging facilities with up to 30 beds (a hostel hosting researchers working at the park’s Environmental Education Center), temporary accommodation facilities for vulnerable groups, and an urban farming area.

The 2019 decision also foresaw the delineation and protection of the Queen’s Tower Artificial Wetland (known as Pyrgos Vassilissis), one of the park’s key attractions. Construction was allowed on 30,000m2 of the total 120 hectares of land.