Playground in Athens’ National Garden Sees Major Refurbishment

Photo source: Athens Municipality/ Vassilis Labiris.

The Municipality of Athens recently reintroduced the playground at the city’s National Garden as an innovative and safe open space for children of all ages.

The refurbished playground, suitable for preschool, school children and teenagers, includes new play equipment such as swings, slides and specially shaped structures.

According to the municipality, the playground’s refurbishment has not altered the unique appearance of the National Garden in any way and the principles of sustainable development were followed.

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis hailed the renovated space as “unique” and “a model playground for the children in Athens“.

The National Garden playground

Marina Martinou with Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis. Photo source: Athens Municipality/ Vassilis Labiris.

Following the refurbishment, the playground is now divided into three sections:

1. Preschool Paradise: Designed for preschool children, it offers equipment for swinging, sliding, climbing, balancing, bouncing, and sensory play with natural materials like water and sand. It’s also inclusive, with ramps for children using movement support equipment.
2. Central Play Hub: Created for preschool, school-age children and teenagers, it has equipment for swinging, sliding, climbing, and spinning. A pyramid-shaped structure and a castle-like hill structure beckon adventurers.
3. Eastern Delight: This area includes rotating and swinging equipment for preschool and school-age children, with unique features like a ‘nest’ seat swing and an unconventional spinning mill.

Photo source: Athens Municipality/ Vassilis Labiris.

Photo source: Athens Municipality/ Vassilis Labiris.

The playground’s sustainable design integrates natural materials such as wood, shock-absorbing surfacing, and surface water absorption, while surrounding tall pine trees provide natural shading.

The south side of the playground is an extension of the hill that is home to ‘Amalia’s Rock‘ from where a small hill of one-meter-high horizontal tree trunks has been created and offers views of the playground.

Photo source: Athens Municipality/ Vassilis Labiris.

Photo source: Athens Municipality/ Vassilis Labiris.

According to the municipality, the upgraded playground can stand as an example for other municipalities to follow as it includes  environmentally friendly playground equipment that were specially designed to match the general surrounding and appearance of the city’s historic National Garden.

The refurbishment was carried out through the “Adopt your City” municipal program, supported by Thanasis and Marina Martinou’s non-profit organization AIGEAS.