The Arrigorriaga City Council is once again committing to the revitalization of Mendikosolo park, allocating more than 180,000 euros for a comprehensive upgrade of the area. The objective is to guarantee “a safe, pleasant, and high-quality space for all citizens in one of the municipality's main green areas,” according to municipal sources.
Mendikosolo park is a natural area spanning 45 hectares, mostly forested with native deciduous trees such as oaks, maples, and ash, and features a 1.5-hectare lake. It is also known as 'La dinamita' (The Dynamite) because, for a significant part of the 20th century, it housed an old dynamite factory belonging to the company Explosivos Río Tinto. From this location, explosives were transported in mule-drawn wagons to the Arrigorriaga railway station.
Visitors can enjoy bike routes or walks in the park, as well as observe animals like swans, geese, and ducks, alongside numerous wild species inhabiting the area. Additionally, it offers a recreational zone with swings, ping-pong tables, play areas, barbecues with tables and benches, and the park's tavern, which has been re-tendered for a minimum of 1,584 euros per month as its current contract concludes on May 19.
One of the latest actions undertaken by the City Council was to tender the reclassification of the dam, with the aim of “drafting the Operating Regulations, the document that will govern the dam's operation, maintenance, and control according to the law.” Xabier Cabrera, the Environment Councilor, highlighted the work done and stated that “with this reclassification, we want to guarantee both the public use of the park and the safety of the infrastructure, adapting it to current regulations.”
Now, with these new works, the City Council intends to give a definitive boost to the maintenance and rehabilitation of the site, focusing on the improvement and beautification of this emblematic natural space in the municipality. A total investment exceeding 180,000 euros will be made, divided into various actions.
Firstly, the City Council has clarified that the largest portion of the funds will be allocated to improving public lighting to enhance safety in the area, and to renovating benches, waste bins, and grills. Both actions will cost 48,400 euros each. With 24,200 euros, the riverbanks and the entire perimeter of the lake will be cleaned and cleared, and with the same amount, pedestrian paths will be repaired.
Another intervention will involve fencing the river on both sides, at a cost of 22,314.63 euros, and renewing the remaining perimeter fences for 7,189.92 euros. Finally, signage for visitors will also be improved with 3,025 euros. In addition to these operations, the City Council has stated that more works will be undertaken. Work is scheduled to begin in the coming months to ensure the area is in optimal condition for intensive use during spring and summer.
