Pedion tou Areos, Tritsis Park, and Attiko Alsos—Attica’s flagship parks poised to elevate citizens’ daily quality of life.

Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs) are tools for implementing development strategies in specific spatial and thematic areas, aiming to improve economic conditions and employment, upgrade citizens’ daily lives, and preserve the natural and built environment, based on the sustainable development approach.

New Metropolitan Attica SA, the Development Organization of the Region of Attica, in accordance with the framework governing its establishment and operation, and its statutory purposes, is authorized to propose and implement Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs) for the competent authorities, based on the formation protocols of the respective ITI Governance Authority.

In line with this, New Metropolitan Attica SA intends to submit a comprehensive strategy proposal and action plan for the promotion of Metropolitan Green Spaces in the Urban Conurbation of the Attica Basin.

The targets for intervention include the following Parks and Green Zones:

• the inner-city group comprising Pedion tou Areos, Finopoulou Hill and Protomagia Square,
• the Attiko Alsos &
• the Metropolitan Park "Antonis Tritsis".

• Challenges and Opportunities:

  The challenges faced by the areas to which the proposed ITI Strategy is to be applied fall into two broad categories:
  a) those related to the needs of maintenance, operation, management, control and supervision of the parks, and b) those concerning their role and the options they offer visitors.
  

  As for their technological modernization, it is linked to strengthening the management, operation, maintenance, supervision, and security of the parks. In tandem with this, technological enhancement improves their energy and environmental profile and strengthens the implementation of circular economy and sustainable resource and energy management principles.

  Moreover, protecting and showcasing the environmental, historical, and cultural assets of the green spaces, combined with the development of arts, culture, sports, social awareness and volunteering activities, as well as environmental, agri-food, and other thematic educational initiatives, will serve as a means of connecting the parks with local communities and contribute to their active and multifaceted promotion.
  Upgrading the green spaces of Metropolitan Attica is a critical component in the equation for the sustainable and green development of the Region, as urban parks are much more than mere “green lungs” of a city.

  In this development framework, the Metropolitan green spaces of the ITI strategy can contribute, among other things:

  • to improving the image of the wider area and the natural environment, promoting environmental awareness and citizen education,
  • to strengthening social cohesion,
  • to creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment, enhancing the commercial appeal of their surrounding areas,
  • to cooperating with research, educational and non-profit institutions and organizations,
  • to restoring the sense of security, and highlighting the parks as destinations for recreation, tourism, culture, education, and sports,
  • to promoting cultural life and the urban cultural heritage of Metropolitan Athens,
  • to the social, economic, environmental, and cultural revitalization of the wider urban areas surrounding them, and more broadly of Metropolitan Athens, by highlighting their common reference points and overarching framework of action.

  
  

• Parks of Society & Culture

  Objectives

  The main objective of the ITI for Metropolitan Green Spaces of Attica is the upgrading of three significant green spaces—three parks under the jurisdiction of the Region of Attica—that can enhance the Region’s attractiveness and create synergies with Cultural and Tourism Development, the Creative Economy, and Sustainable Sectoral and Local Development.

  The parks of society and culture

  Urban parks are assuming a much more comprehensive role and are no longer simply “green lungs” of a city.

  They represent:

  • Islands of environmental sustainability, as they mitigate the harmful effects of pollution and rising temperatures (the “urban heat island” effect).
  • Refuges for fauna and flora, contributing to urban resilience and to maintaining the relationship of residents with the natural environment.
  • Cradles of culture, as they host various cultural activities, such as concerts and musical performances, theatrical and dance events, visual arts exhibitions, festivals and activities linked to the cultural/historical heritage of local communities. The organization of cultural events and the presence of spaces for cultural activities in the parks contribute to a sense of belonging among local communities and foster an active connection with their cultural and historical legacy.

  
  

  In addition:

  • They strengthen social cohesion, serving as gathering places for the local community and its visitors.
  • They increase social participation and coexistence, improving the social, economic and environmental condition of local communities.
  • They enhance mental and physical health, offering opportunities for relaxation, recreation, sports and light physical activity as a means of reducing stress and enhancing well-being.
  • They are beacons of urban and economic development, attracting investment and population.

  
  

  Priority Axes – Study

  The Operational Plan for the Integrated Territorial Investment for the utilization of the Metropolitan Parks of Attica is structured around specific priority axes within a strategic action framework:

  “Smart” Metropolitan Parks: improving management control, effectiveness, and efficiency through innovative and digital technologies, as well as enhancing visitor experience through the installation of digital infrastructure and the provision of high value-added digital services.

  Sustainable and Safe Metropolitan Parks: saving energy and water resources, integrating environmentally friendly technologies, adopting circular economy principles and enhancing the resilience and safety of the parks and their visitors.

  Accessible Metropolitan Parks: improving visitor experience by upgrading and completing basic infrastructure and park equipment, upgrading wellness and sports facilities and improving accessibility and services for people with all types of needs.

  Metropolitan Parks Open to Society: utilizing the cultural heritage and history of the parks and promoting tourism, expanding the range of park activities (including cultural and sports events, solidarity and awareness actions), and generating and disseminating knowledge on environmental themes.

  Interconnected Metropolitan Parks: linking parks with the sustainable mobility network and establishing physical and/or digital connections between parks and other open green or cultural spaces.

  
  

  As part of the preparation by New Metropolitan Attica SA to submit proposals for the aforementioned strategy and to ensure thorough readiness and substantiation, the Organization has prepared a strategic study for the promotion of the Metropolitan Green Spaces of the Urban Conurbation of the Attica Basin. Learn more about the study here.

• Consultation

  The degree of success in implementing the ITI for Metropolitan green spaces depends on the coherence and continuity of actions and the effective coordination among involved stakeholders, in order to ensure the optimal progress of this spatial development initiative.
  From the Region of Attica and the Ministry of Environment and Energy, to neighboring municipalities, local organizations, institutions, and the management bodies of Metropolitan green spaces under the Region’s jurisdiction, all are invited to participate in shaping the design of the Metropolitan Parks of Attica, for the benefit of the wider community.
  

  To participate in the consultation, click here.