The Athens City Council has taken a significant step toward enhancing the urban landscape and ecological fabric of the city by granting unanimous approval for the Olive Project’s plans and study. This ambitious initiative, known as the Olive Project, marks a milestone in urban development, focusing on the integration of nature to enrich the urban environment.
Central to the Olive Project is the creation of Athens’ largest urban park in nearly a century. Encompassing approximately 215 acres of verdant expanse within a total area of 260 acres, this park stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to ecological and aesthetic enhancement. To provide context, the park’s scale can be compared to the historical Field of Areos, established in 1934.
The park’s layout envisions the planting of 3,563 trees, a combination of evergreen and deciduous species, along with 102,000 shrubs. It will feature innovative elements such as rain gardens, artificial hills, and a 950 sq.m. lake. With the creation of this urban oasis, Athens completes a cycle of establishing expansive green spaces, bolstering its resilience against the ongoing climate crisis.
The project’s core objectives include revitalizing the historical olive grove, nurturing urban biodiversity, and establishing nesting grounds for local wildlife. The park’s design has been meticulously crafted to provide ideal microclimatic conditions, delivering a cool and refreshing natural atmosphere for visitors. The array of Greek flora, Mediterranean shrubs, and autonomous natural regeneration sites will showcase the region’s rich ecological heritage. The incorporation of rain gardens and water features further enhances the park’s environmental consciousness while offering an educational and immersive experience for visitors. Biodiversity, encompassing both plant and animal life, takes precedence within the park’s boundaries. Additionally, the construction of hills using project rubble and aggregates contributes to ecological sustainability by minimizing material removal. The design philosophy extends to central squares and relaxation zones, prioritizing water permeability and an authentic natural ambiance.
Set to be situated in Votanikos, the modern urban park of Eleonas will serve as a serene refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. It will offer a diverse range of experiences, catering to varying visitor preferences and the changing hours of the day. The unanimous approval from the Athens City Council heralds a new era of urban green spaces that seamlessly blend nature and city living.
Η Αθήνα αποκτά το μεγαλύτερο πάρκο της σύγχρονης ιστορίας της. Πριν από λίγα λεπτά, υπερψηφίστηκε στο Δημοτικό Συμβούλιο η δημιουργία 215 στρεμμάτων πρασίνου στο Βοτανικό στο πλαίσιο της Διπλής Ανάπλασης. Με χιλιάδες νέα δέντρα, κήπους βροχής, τεχνητούς λόφους και μια λίμνη. Έργο… pic.twitter.com/UKJBxKlxcS
— Kostas Bakoyannis (@KBakoyannis) August 28, 2023
