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Stark contrast in green space plans of Region of Murcia as one city builds and another lets parks decline
Cartagena opposition slams “deplorable” neglect while neighbouring municipality pushes ahead with multi-million-euro urban park project
Cartagena’s Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has hit out at what it describes as a “deplorable” lack of care for the municipality’s green spaces, just as neighbouring Murcia moves ahead with an ambitious project to create its largest ever urban park.
Pedro Contreras, a PSOE councillor in Cartagena, said the state of public parks and gardens during the busy tourist season was “absolutely deplorable”, claiming that “weeds grow freely, trees are not pruned properly, and the gardens are dirty”. He warned that the situation was even worse along the coast, in neighbourhoods and in outlying districts, where maintenance is “even more limited” and can pose safety risks.As an example, Contreras cited a recent incident at the Canteras Youth Centre, where a large branch fell just hours before dozens of young people were due to gather there for a scout meeting. “The fall of large branches can be avoided with proper pruning and proper maintenance, but this is not being done,” he said.
The PSOE says local neighbourhood associations have raised similar complaints, arguing that the poor condition of public green areas projects a negative image of Cartagena at a time when visitors are at their highest.
While Cartagena’s opposition voices frustration over upkeep, Murcia City Council is pushing ahead with the creation of the Parque Metropolitano Oeste (West Metropolitan Park), a €6.3 million project that will form the largest green space in the municipality when complete in early 2027.
The park, part of the Murcia Río initiative, will cover 37,786 square metres and feature a floodable riverine forest with 5,800 trees, a naturalised lake, eight fountains (including one with a light and sound display), restored heritage features, and walking routes connecting Barriomar with the city centre. Plans also include easy-access design, interactive QR-coded information points, and charging stations for bicycles and electric scooters.Companies have two months to submit bids for the work, with the build expected to take around a year once awarded. The council is also exploring new park-and-ride facilities nearby to replace current illegal parking in the area and to ease access for visitors.
Murcia councillor José Guillén called the project “a decisive step” in regenerating a degraded urban area, while also helping to connect neighbourhoods and create a major “green lung” for the city.
For residents in both municipalities, the contrast is striking. In Murcia, a long-promised park is finally taking shape. In Cartagena, opposition leaders argue that the city is failing to care for the green spaces it already has.
Images: Ayuntamiento de Murcia and PSOE Cartagena
