Clearing previously inaccessible areas. Credit: Benidorm Ciudadano
Benidorm has completed the third phase of its anti-fire project in El Moralet park, finishing the planned clearance work essential for creating and integrating 3.5 kilometres of new Xixo trails into the urban park. Mayor Toni Pérez and council members for Parks and Gardens and Public Space, José Ramón González de Zárate and Francis Muñoz, inspected the progress on 2 January. The work forms part of the ‘Verde Benidorm’ Sustainable Tourism Plan (PSTD) and focuses on the section of the ravine bordering Nicaragua and Cuba avenues.
Clearing previously inaccessible areas
The mayor highlighted that “this phase of the project covers an area that was previously almost inaccessible due to dense undergrowth, featuring mainly pine, olive, and eucalyptus trees, some remarkable for their size.” In addition to clearing undergrowth and dead trees that posed a fire risk, debris in the area has also been removed.
Historic water reservoir uncovered
The clearance work revealed a historic reservoir, used decades ago to store water from the stream running through much of this section of the ravine during heavy rainfall.
Next steps focus on cleaning
Once the clearance is complete, the next stage will focus on cleaning and removing pruning waste and other debris, a necessary step before opening the area to the public.
New park access and fire detection technology
Toni Pérez noted that “this third phase of the anti-fire project in El Moralet includes the creation of two new park entrances from Cuba Avenue, one near Miguel Hernández school, as well as the installation of new thermal cameras to improve fire protection,” adding to those already installed elsewhere in the park. All cameras are equipped with sensors to detect sudden temperature changes, allowing for prompt action if required.
Enhancing recreational spaces while protecting the environment
According to the mayor, “this project not only provides new leisure and recreational spaces for residents and visitors through 3.5 kilometres of new trails, but also protects a valuable green area close to the urban environment and nearby homes.”
A decade of public investment
Toni Pérez also recalled that “10 years ago, all of what is now El Moralet park was privately owned land, which the council acquired and made accessible to the people of Benidorm.” He emphasised that the investment ensures public green space for current and future generations, with one million square metres of urban greenery now available.
Project funding
The anti-fire project in El Moralet corresponds to Action 1 of the PSTD ‘Verde Benidorm’. The council secured a grant through the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan—funded by the European Union NextGeneration-EU programme—under the Territorial Sustainability Plan of the Valencian Community, coordinated by Turisme Comunitat Valenciana. The total budget for this phase amounts to €434,808.85.