Esposende City Park
Esposende City Park
The project “Esposende City Park”, aims to make an investment focused on minimizing risks associated with floods in the southern area of the city of Esposende, increasing the resilience capacity of this territory to disasters that endanger the population and cause significant damage to public and private property, weakening the economy and the environment.
Portugal
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Prototype level
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
030618: União das freguesias de Esposende, Marinhas e Gandra (PT)
Esposende is a Portuguese city, which, due to its geographical location and proximity to the coastal area, is subject to the strong consequences of climate change, evidenced by extreme precipitation events and the rise in the average sea level. There have been numerous instances where the sea waters have exceeded the coastal limits.
The Esposende Park City includes the final section of the Interceptor Canal, a location with immeasurable natural value, but which is still not properly protected.
The area in question has several pressures, both hydromorphological (erosion, silting, and obstruction) and biological (high fragmentation of native vegetation and the presence of terrestrial and aquatic flora with invasive potential). These pressures weaken the functionality of the interceptor canal in this area, making it a critical point in terms of flood risk.
This project aims to carry out physical interventions focused on improving drainage conditions, through the stabilization of the bed and banks; the cleaning and selective cutting of invasive vegetation; the clearing of the bed in cases of debris accumulation; flood prevention; protection of areas prone to flooding; the installation of sensors and a flood warning and alert system.
Environmental aspects were also considered, aiming to ensure the reduction of erosion effects and the recovery of natural habitats, to directly contribute to the improvement of the ecological status and to increase the hydraulic and ecological resilience capacity of the territory.
While the project was designed to protect the community of Esposende from the risk of flooding, it also includes a social and educational aspect. The location will transform into an attractive recreational area where all citizens and visitors can combine nature with leisure activities.
In the future, it is expected that, after the completion of the City Park, the area in question will transform into a pedagogical space for leisure and social interaction.
The Esposende Park City includes the final section of the Interceptor Canal, a location with immeasurable natural value, but which is still not properly protected.
The area in question has several pressures, both hydromorphological (erosion, silting, and obstruction) and biological (high fragmentation of native vegetation and the presence of terrestrial and aquatic flora with invasive potential). These pressures weaken the functionality of the interceptor canal in this area, making it a critical point in terms of flood risk.
This project aims to carry out physical interventions focused on improving drainage conditions, through the stabilization of the bed and banks; the cleaning and selective cutting of invasive vegetation; the clearing of the bed in cases of debris accumulation; flood prevention; protection of areas prone to flooding; the installation of sensors and a flood warning and alert system.
Environmental aspects were also considered, aiming to ensure the reduction of erosion effects and the recovery of natural habitats, to directly contribute to the improvement of the ecological status and to increase the hydraulic and ecological resilience capacity of the territory.
While the project was designed to protect the community of Esposende from the risk of flooding, it also includes a social and educational aspect. The location will transform into an attractive recreational area where all citizens and visitors can combine nature with leisure activities.
In the future, it is expected that, after the completion of the City Park, the area in question will transform into a pedagogical space for leisure and social interaction.
Sustainable
Inclusion
Beauty
Floos
Public and Environmental Protetion
Flood risk and sustainability are interconnected, especially when it comes to managing the impact of natural disasters. Careful planning is necessary to ensure the restoration and preservation of biodiversity. Through the implementation of this project, the Municipality of Esposende ensures the protection of the southern area of the city and the reduction of all negative environmental consequences caused by floods.
The poor management of water resources and the lack of land planning make it easier for floods to occur. The area in question faces various pressures, both hydromorphological (erosion, sedimentation, and obstruction) and biological (high fragmentation of native vegetation and the presence of terrestrial and aquatic flora with invasive potential). These disturbances weaken the functionality of a previously performed operation, the interceptor channel.
The present operation arises to requalify the southern part of the riverside area, with the aim of strengthening the territory against potential effects of floods and inundations.
The stabilization of the riverbed and banks; the cleaning and selective removal of invasive vegetation; the clearing of the riverbed in cases of waste accumulation; flood prevention; the protection of flood-prone areas; the installation of sensing equipment and a flood warning and alert system, will be essential actions that will contribute immeasurably to environmental preservation and sustainability.
The project contributes to the increase in biodiversity by ecologically connecting the interceptor system to the Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) of the North Coast, SIC PTCON0017. The area is part of the North Coast Natural Park, and the entire intervention area is recognized as a natural space with great potential and ecological sensitivity.
The poor management of water resources and the lack of land planning make it easier for floods to occur. The area in question faces various pressures, both hydromorphological (erosion, sedimentation, and obstruction) and biological (high fragmentation of native vegetation and the presence of terrestrial and aquatic flora with invasive potential). These disturbances weaken the functionality of a previously performed operation, the interceptor channel.
The present operation arises to requalify the southern part of the riverside area, with the aim of strengthening the territory against potential effects of floods and inundations.
The stabilization of the riverbed and banks; the cleaning and selective removal of invasive vegetation; the clearing of the riverbed in cases of waste accumulation; flood prevention; the protection of flood-prone areas; the installation of sensing equipment and a flood warning and alert system, will be essential actions that will contribute immeasurably to environmental preservation and sustainability.
The project contributes to the increase in biodiversity by ecologically connecting the interceptor system to the Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) of the North Coast, SIC PTCON0017. The area is part of the North Coast Natural Park, and the entire intervention area is recognized as a natural space with great potential and ecological sensitivity.
The City Park of Esposende aims to be a demonstration space for the best practices in watercourse management in the region and to contribute to improving the level of knowledge about climate change, through the promotion of awareness and social entrepreneurship activities.
The project aims to create a new image to the riverside area of the city, with the objective of providing the river with a more harmonious and integrated urban aesthetic.
Will be constructed, green spaces that encourage informal sports activities, environmental interpretation stations, birdwatching points, picnic areas, public bathrooms, recreational equipment, cyclabe and pedestrian paths, in connection with the greenways of the North Coast and Cávado. The space has also been designed to host events.
The project aims to provide citizens with moments of leisure and a closer connection to the environment.
For all these reasons, we believe that the Esposende City Park project presents a distinct and appealing design, capable of generating positive emotions in visitors, with a strong cultural character.
The project aims to create a new image to the riverside area of the city, with the objective of providing the river with a more harmonious and integrated urban aesthetic.
Will be constructed, green spaces that encourage informal sports activities, environmental interpretation stations, birdwatching points, picnic areas, public bathrooms, recreational equipment, cyclabe and pedestrian paths, in connection with the greenways of the North Coast and Cávado. The space has also been designed to host events.
The project aims to provide citizens with moments of leisure and a closer connection to the environment.
For all these reasons, we believe that the Esposende City Park project presents a distinct and appealing design, capable of generating positive emotions in visitors, with a strong cultural character.
The Esposende City Park project is a complex operation that, in addition to its environmental and sustainable aspects, also aims to achieve social inclusion goals.
As already mentioned, the Esposende City Park intends to provide moments of leisure in harmony with the environment. Therefore, all infrastructures have been designed to be inclusive.
All citizens, apart of their physical, economic, or social condition, will be able to access the park without any restrictions.
Furthermore, the Municipality ensures that an electricity and telephone network will be implemented, as well as security and surveillance systems.
The necessary signage will be implemented for the proper functioning of the area and for pedestrian and cycling circulation.
The City Park is a project designed to enhance environmental diversity, ensuring accessibility through free access to the infrastructure.
As already mentioned, the Esposende City Park intends to provide moments of leisure in harmony with the environment. Therefore, all infrastructures have been designed to be inclusive.
All citizens, apart of their physical, economic, or social condition, will be able to access the park without any restrictions.
Furthermore, the Municipality ensures that an electricity and telephone network will be implemented, as well as security and surveillance systems.
The necessary signage will be implemented for the proper functioning of the area and for pedestrian and cycling circulation.
The City Park is a project designed to enhance environmental diversity, ensuring accessibility through free access to the infrastructure.
During the whole project planning, active citizen participation was considered for better execution of the project, as can be seen through the following evidence: https://www.municipio.esposende.pt/viver/urbanismo/noticias/noticia/parque-da-cidade-de-esposende-em-consulta-publica-ate-ao-final-de-fevereiro .
With this in mind, the local authorities opened a public consultation in February 2024, allowing all citizens the freedom to share their opinions on the project for the Esposende City Park.
The highest representative the Municipality of Esposende called for the participation residents to evaluate the proposal and contribute ideas for improving the project.
The public consultation is a voluntary process, with no obligation on the part of the municipality.
Through this process, the highest representative "reaffirms the desire to involve the people of the municipality, or even those who visit us frequently, in the search for the best solutions for our territory."
In the future, it is intended that, after the completion of the project, the space will host schools and professionals with the aim of demonstrating good environmental practices.
With this in mind, the local authorities opened a public consultation in February 2024, allowing all citizens the freedom to share their opinions on the project for the Esposende City Park.
The highest representative the Municipality of Esposende called for the participation residents to evaluate the proposal and contribute ideas for improving the project.
The public consultation is a voluntary process, with no obligation on the part of the municipality.
Through this process, the highest representative "reaffirms the desire to involve the people of the municipality, or even those who visit us frequently, in the search for the best solutions for our territory."
In the future, it is intended that, after the completion of the project, the space will host schools and professionals with the aim of demonstrating good environmental practices.
For better implementation of the project in question, several opinions were requested from different entities.
The project received a favorable opinion from the following entities with established legal oversight, namely: Portugal Infrastructures; Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries of the North (DRAP Norte); Portuguese Environment Agency (APA); Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) and the North Regional Coordination and Development Commission(CCDR-N).
At the local level, various stakeholders have been and will be involved. In the first phase, through the public tender, the municipality tried to understand the input that citizens would add to the project. After the completion of the City Park, it is expected that this project will be subject to evaluation by professionals and students.
The project received a favorable opinion from the following entities with established legal oversight, namely: Portugal Infrastructures; Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries of the North (DRAP Norte); Portuguese Environment Agency (APA); Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) and the North Regional Coordination and Development Commission(CCDR-N).
At the local level, various stakeholders have been and will be involved. In the first phase, through the public tender, the municipality tried to understand the input that citizens would add to the project. After the completion of the City Park, it is expected that this project will be subject to evaluation by professionals and students.
For the development of this project, a multidisciplinary team was involved, with professionals possessing extensive experience, that considered environmental values.
Therefore, for the successful physical execution of this project, the integration and knowledge of the following diverse areas were involved: environmental knowledge, technological knowledge, civil engineering and environmental engineering.
Therefore, for the successful physical execution of this project, the integration and knowledge of the following diverse areas were involved: environmental knowledge, technological knowledge, civil engineering and environmental engineering.
This project aims to present an innovative answer to emerging contemporary urban challenges, particularly in the flood resolution, in the southern area of the city of Esposende.
A great demonstrative example is the investment that the Municipality intends to make in the integration of sensors and geographic information systems. This equipment will allow continuous monitoring of water conditions, facilitating quick responses in emergencies and the protection of urban infrastructures.
Moreover, the Municipality recognizes that environmental sensors are one of the best solutions to use in various projects within the scope of smart cities, as well as video analytics with artificial intelligence, which has proven to be an essential tool in the monitoring and protection of people and property, especially in vulnerable areas such as riverbeds, streams, estuaries, and brooks.
Another prevention and monitoring measure that the Municipality intends to implement is the ability to analyze large volumes of visual data in real time, identifying risk situations. All these factors will significantly contribute to public safety and the prevention of natural disasters.
The video analytics sensors will be connected to a command center of Civil Protection.
In addition, these devices will measure temperature, humidity/pressure, suspended particles, noise, flow levels, and flood marks.
For all these reasons, it can be considered that the project is innovative, because it uses innovative technology.
A great demonstrative example is the investment that the Municipality intends to make in the integration of sensors and geographic information systems. This equipment will allow continuous monitoring of water conditions, facilitating quick responses in emergencies and the protection of urban infrastructures.
Moreover, the Municipality recognizes that environmental sensors are one of the best solutions to use in various projects within the scope of smart cities, as well as video analytics with artificial intelligence, which has proven to be an essential tool in the monitoring and protection of people and property, especially in vulnerable areas such as riverbeds, streams, estuaries, and brooks.
Another prevention and monitoring measure that the Municipality intends to implement is the ability to analyze large volumes of visual data in real time, identifying risk situations. All these factors will significantly contribute to public safety and the prevention of natural disasters.
The video analytics sensors will be connected to a command center of Civil Protection.
In addition, these devices will measure temperature, humidity/pressure, suspended particles, noise, flow levels, and flood marks.
For all these reasons, it can be considered that the project is innovative, because it uses innovative technology.
The operation to be developed near the city of Esposende, aims to strengthen the resilience of the river system and reduce the vulnerability of the resident population and economic activities in its proximity.
The project spans an area that evidence several hydromorphological and biological pressures resulting from recurring floods, worsened by the discharge of waters from the Esposende Interceptor System in that location during periods of heavy precipitation.
The aim of this project is to carry out physical interventions aimed at improving drainage conditions, as well as the restoration of the area to be intervened, such as:
Stabilization of the riverbed and banks;
Cleaning and selective removal of invasive vegetation;
Clearing of the riverbed in cases of waste accumulation;
Flood prevention and protection of flood-prone areas;
Installation of sensing equipment and a flood warning and alert system;
So, the interventions planned in this operation consist of two main actions:
• Action 1 - Rehabilitation and Enhancement of the Cávado River Banks
• Action 2 - Acquisition of Monitoring and Alert Systems.
These two measures are perfectly aligned with the strategic objectives of the Flood Risk and Management Plan (PGRI), once the improve land use planning and management in flood-prone areas, enhance resilience, reduce vulnerability of elements located in potential flood areas, as well as contribute to the improvement of the good status of water bodies through real-time monitoring, among others.
The actions fall within green protection measures; preparedness measures; recovery, learning, and prevention measures.
The project spans an area that evidence several hydromorphological and biological pressures resulting from recurring floods, worsened by the discharge of waters from the Esposende Interceptor System in that location during periods of heavy precipitation.
The aim of this project is to carry out physical interventions aimed at improving drainage conditions, as well as the restoration of the area to be intervened, such as:
Stabilization of the riverbed and banks;
Cleaning and selective removal of invasive vegetation;
Clearing of the riverbed in cases of waste accumulation;
Flood prevention and protection of flood-prone areas;
Installation of sensing equipment and a flood warning and alert system;
So, the interventions planned in this operation consist of two main actions:
• Action 1 - Rehabilitation and Enhancement of the Cávado River Banks
• Action 2 - Acquisition of Monitoring and Alert Systems.
These two measures are perfectly aligned with the strategic objectives of the Flood Risk and Management Plan (PGRI), once the improve land use planning and management in flood-prone areas, enhance resilience, reduce vulnerability of elements located in potential flood areas, as well as contribute to the improvement of the good status of water bodies through real-time monitoring, among others.
The actions fall within green protection measures; preparedness measures; recovery, learning, and prevention measures.
The project in question is the result of hard work and interdisciplinary efforts. It stands out for its high level of complexity, linking various areas of knowledge.
It is understood that the project can be replicated in any area vulnerable to the risk of flooding.
Continuous monitoring protects and alerts the population of potential flood risks. The acquisition of sensors will be connected to a command center of the Municipality's Civil Protection, which will have a real-time alert system, real-time detection of people and their respective count, and detection of crowds/gatherings of people.
By integrating advanced technology into safety strategies, it is possible to respond to emergencies more effectively and also implement preventive measures that protect life, property, and biodiversity.
It is understood that the project can be replicated in any area vulnerable to the risk of flooding.
Continuous monitoring protects and alerts the population of potential flood risks. The acquisition of sensors will be connected to a command center of the Municipality's Civil Protection, which will have a real-time alert system, real-time detection of people and their respective count, and detection of crowds/gatherings of people.
By integrating advanced technology into safety strategies, it is possible to respond to emergencies more effectively and also implement preventive measures that protect life, property, and biodiversity.
This initiative is directly related to the secondary effects of floods and inundations.
The intervention focuses on a highly vulnerable area, and therefore, it was necessary to consider the restrictions of the region.
The implementation of technological solutions and the carrying out of ancillary work in the flooding areas will be fully coordinated with the safety of people and the safeguarding of property, preserving local biodiversity due to the existence of sensitive habitat areas, located in the North Coast Natural Park and in the Natura Network (PTCON0017).
This investment will contribute to greater effectiveness of the Internal Emergency Plan of the Municipality of Esposende, which will be properly complemented with awareness-raising actions on flood risks aimed at the local population and all interested parties.
The aim is to preserve this area, both for its ecological potential and its vulnerability to the various anthropogenic pressures it is currently subjected to.
The intervention focuses on a highly vulnerable area, and therefore, it was necessary to consider the restrictions of the region.
The implementation of technological solutions and the carrying out of ancillary work in the flooding areas will be fully coordinated with the safety of people and the safeguarding of property, preserving local biodiversity due to the existence of sensitive habitat areas, located in the North Coast Natural Park and in the Natura Network (PTCON0017).
This investment will contribute to greater effectiveness of the Internal Emergency Plan of the Municipality of Esposende, which will be properly complemented with awareness-raising actions on flood risks aimed at the local population and all interested parties.
The aim is to preserve this area, both for its ecological potential and its vulnerability to the various anthropogenic pressures it is currently subjected to.
The Municipality is committed to the initiative in question. The operation has already been included in the 2025 Activity Plan and Budget, demonstrating the ability to finance the total amount of the operation. The maturity level of the operation consists of the approval of the technical execution project, which occurred on March 25, 2021. The procedure has been concluded, with the contract being signed on August 8, 2024, and receiving the visa from the Court of Auditors on December 6, 2024.
Floods are events that can harm biodiversity by destroying natural habitats, shelters, and food sources for many species. These phenomena facilitate the spread of invasive species, which establish themselves in new areas. Additionally, in many cases, pollutants are transported, damaging water quality as well as local flora and fauna.
The Esposende City Park aims to redevelop the riverfront with a more aesthetically pleasing and integrated urban image. The project ensures inclusivity for all citizens, as the entire space will be equipped with accessible facilities and signage for everyone, regardless of physical conditions. Access to the Esposende City Park will be free, regardless of financial status.
The Municipality aims to provide citizens with a structure entirely designed for socializing, encouraging informal sports and leisure. The park will also feature environmental interpretation points and birdwatching spots, to provide different sensory and intellectual experiences.
In addition, the Esposende City Park is a project that promotes the participation of different stakeholders, both through opinions and in discussions open to the public.
The City Park is a great example of a project that aligns with the European New Bauhaus initiative, as it focuses on a sustainable solution that respects diversity, making the most of participatory and interdisciplinary approaches, with a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and beauty.
Floods are events that can harm biodiversity by destroying natural habitats, shelters, and food sources for many species. These phenomena facilitate the spread of invasive species, which establish themselves in new areas. Additionally, in many cases, pollutants are transported, damaging water quality as well as local flora and fauna.
The Esposende City Park aims to redevelop the riverfront with a more aesthetically pleasing and integrated urban image. The project ensures inclusivity for all citizens, as the entire space will be equipped with accessible facilities and signage for everyone, regardless of physical conditions. Access to the Esposende City Park will be free, regardless of financial status.
The Municipality aims to provide citizens with a structure entirely designed for socializing, encouraging informal sports and leisure. The park will also feature environmental interpretation points and birdwatching spots, to provide different sensory and intellectual experiences.
In addition, the Esposende City Park is a project that promotes the participation of different stakeholders, both through opinions and in discussions open to the public.
The City Park is a great example of a project that aligns with the European New Bauhaus initiative, as it focuses on a sustainable solution that respects diversity, making the most of participatory and interdisciplinary approaches, with a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and beauty.
