Attica Governor Hardalias has Big Plans for Athens’ Parks

Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias. Photo source: Attica Region

Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias recently announced a comprehensive initiative to enhance both the visual appeal and functionality of the metropolitan parks of Athens .

A budget of 43 million euros will be allocated to ensure the parks become more inviting and accessible to residents and visitors of the Greek capital.

In a recent opinion piece for the Athens News Agency (ANA), Hardalias emphasized that the city’s parks, including Antonis Tritsis, Attikon Alsos, and Pedion tou Areos, have suffered neglect and irresponsibility, which has deterred residents from visiting them.

To revitalize the parks, he said the region has a new comprehensive plan that outlines their refurbishment to enhance their sustainability and usability.

“The idea of metropolitan Attica requires the metropolitan management of green spaces,” Hardalias said.

The governor said that he personally will supervise the planned alterations that include resources for maintenance.

Additional staff needed to prevent abandonment

Pedion tou Areas Park. Photo source: Region of Attica

Hardalias further emphasized that addressing the issue of neglected green spaces requires additional recruitment to fill gaps in understaffed services responsible for maintaining Athenian parks.

The governor also suggested interconnecting the parks via green routes, harnessing their growth potential to enhance accessibility for residents of nearby areas and to showcase their cultural identity.

Pedion tou Areos Park to host Christmas village

Moreover, in response to residents’ complaints about illegal trade in open-air markets during festive periods, particularly in Pedion tou Areos Park, prompting intervention from the State Revenue Service (SDOE), Hardalias said special attention will be directed towards the park.

To address this issue, special measures are being planned, including the establishment of a festive village starting from the next Christmas season, mirroring practices seen in other European capitals.

“The parks will return regenerated to the citizens of Attica and I will be present every step of the way,” the governor concluded.