The Madrid City Council has carried out a comprehensive renovation of the children’s area in the Engineers Park, in the district of Villaverde, by creating a unique play area that redefines children’s spaces with a focus on integration, creativity, and sustainability. With an investment of 398,000 euros, the project stands out for its industrial theme and equipment designed to promote the comprehensive development of the little ones, transforming the area into a safe, inclusive, and attractive space for all users.
The delegate for Urbanism, Environment, and Mobility, Borja Carabante, visited the works carried out this morning along with the councilor of Villaverde, Orlando Chacón. During his visit, Carabante emphasized the importance of these types of facilities in the daily life of the districts, which act as meeting points for neighbors and provide comfortable areas for families, promoting social interaction in a safe and creative environment.
A unique design based on engineering
The main attraction in the design of this new space is the ‘Engineering Tower’, a large structure nearly ten meters high. Formed by two connected towers through a closed platform, it features multiple platforms at different heights and a variety of figurative elements such as pipes, valves, three slides, a firefighter pole, rope climbing areas, bar stairs, and accessible games for children with mobility difficulties. This element covers an area of 65.6 m², ensuring a spacious and safe space for fun.
Another key piece is the ‘Inclusive Industry Game’, a set of interactive panels and manipulation activities designed to be highly inclusive. This element is almost four meters high, covering a safety area of 44 m², inviting children to explore and develop cognitive and social skills through collaborative play.
Inclusivity is also present in other elements such as a bird’s nest swing, designed for children of all abilities, allowing for shared use; cuckoo and flat swings, adapted for babies and older children; an inclusive carousel, accessible for children with different abilities, and an adapted seesaw, designed to ensure safety and accessibility.
The sand and excavator play area also offers varied and sensory activities, with multiple functions to stimulate creativity and elements that allow children to interact with the sand and develop motor skills.
A sustainable and comfortable space for all
Safety and sustainability have been priorities in the design of this children’s area. To ensure a safe environment, the play areas have continuous rubber flooring, while the passageways are covered with draining concrete. This material not only facilitates the transit of people with reduced mobility but also allows for the use of rainwater, contributing to environmental care.
The comfort of families has also been a priority. The area has 400 m² of shade, six strategically located benches, and four trash cans, creating a welcoming and comfortable space for users.
Spaces that inspire
Unique children’s areas represent an evolution in the design of play spaces, aimed at offering unique, enriching, and adapted experiences for all children. These spaces go beyond traditional parks, standing out for their creativity, inclusivity, and comprehensive approach to child development.
Each of these areas is designed with the clear purpose of stimulating imagination, promoting learning, and encouraging social interaction. The thematic designs invite children to immerse themselves in worlds of fantasy and discovery, while the use of sustainable materials reflects a commitment to environmental care. Additionally, they integrate accessible elements that allow the participation of children with different abilities.
One of the most notable features of these areas is the diversity of challenges they propose. They incorporate physical activities that improve coordination and strength, sensory stimuli that arouse curiosity, and cognitive challenges that stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving. All of this contributes to the comprehensive development of the little ones during their leisure time.
A constant effort for children’s well-being
Madrid has more than 2,300 children’s areas distributed in all districts of the city and its parks: 2,165 of them are located in parks and green areas, and 155 in historic and unique parks. The investment made by the City Council since 2019 in these types of facilities exceeds 17 million euros.
The offer of children’s leisure in the public space of Madrid is compiled in the City Council’s Geoportal, where it can be consulted by all citizens, and data such as its operational status, address, or number of play elements available can be found. /
