Parc de Catalunya

Parc de Catalunya, or Parc Catalunya as it is known locally, is an expansive public park located in the vibrant city of Sabadell, Spain. Spanning a remarkable 43 hectares, this green oasis offers a delightful escape from the urban hustle and bustle, providing visitors with a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and cultural experiences.

A Stroll Through History

The history of Parc de Catalunya is as rich and varied as the flora and fauna that inhabit it. The concept of the park was first envisioned by architects Josep Renom and Joaquim Manich in 1929, but it wasn't until many decades later that the dream became a reality. In the late 1970s, a plan to build 3,300 homes on the park's land was met with strong opposition from the local community. Seventy-five civic organizations in Sabadell rallied against the plan, and their efforts eventually led to the creation of the park we see today. The democratic city council elected in 1979 began purchasing land for the park, and by 1984, they owned 90% of the area. The park's final design was crafted by architects Joan Roig and Enric Batlle in 1986, and construction began in 1989. The first phase of Parc de Catalunya was inaugurated in 1992, and it has since become a beloved landmark in Sabadell.

The Enchanting Artificial Lake

One of the park's most striking features is its artificial lake, which holds approximately six million liters of water. This serene body of water is fed by a well and meticulously treated and filtered to maintain a balanced ecosystem. The lake is divided into two sections: the upper pond, which is fed by five water jets, and the lower pond, which boasts a four-meter-high waterfall and a central spring. Together, these elements create a mesmerizing aquatic spectacle that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages.

A Gateway to the Stars

Perched at the highest point of Parc de Catalunya is the Astronomical Observatory, a municipal building managed by the esteemed Astronomical Association of Sabadell. This facility houses a permanent exhibition, a library, and the largest private telescope in Europe. Public observation sessions are held at scheduled times, offering visitors a chance to gaze at the wonders of the night sky. The observatory also features an auditorium that can accommodate up to forty people, making it an ideal venue for educational events and stargazing activities.

Recreational Delights

Parc de Catalunya is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational facilities. The park boasts an amphitheater for concerts and performances, a boating lake with fifteen rowboats and five pedal boats available for rent, and a miniature railway that delights both children and adults. In the winter months, an ice rink provides a festive atmosphere, while a dedicated skateboarding and rollerblading area caters to thrill-seekers year-round. Additionally, the park features a bike trial track, a dog park, a children's playground, fitness equipment for seniors, picnic areas, and even free WiFi.

Art in the Park

Art lovers will find plenty to admire in Parc de Catalunya, which is home to several notable sculptures. Among these are the Iron Tree by Antoni Marquès (1986), Sabadell to Handball by Joan Vila-Puig Morera (1994), A de Barca by Joan Brossa and Antoni Marquès (1996), and tributes to Ernest Lluch (2001) and Lluís Companys (2005). Other significant works include A Catalunya and the Statute (2006), a Memorial to the Victims of Terrorism (2010), and The Bronze Man by Agustí Puig (2011), dedicated to Antoni Farrés, the mayor of Sabadell from 1979 to 1999.

A Symphony of Nature

Parc de Catalunya is a botanical treasure trove, hosting a diverse array of plant species. Visitors can admire the majestic holm oak (Quercus ilex), the delicate almond tree (Prunus dulcis), the vibrant Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum), and the stately catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides). Other notable species include the hackberry (Celtis australis), chinaberry (Melia azedarach), olive tree (Olea europaea), Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), stone pine (Pinus pinea), London plane (Platanus × acerifolia), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), downy oak (Quercus pubescens), Japanese pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra italica), white poplar (Populus alba), Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), oleander (Nerium oleander), mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), ngaio (Myoporum laetum), and myrtle (Myrtus communis).

Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the park's avian residents, which include mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), rock pigeons (Columba livia), monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), white wagtails (Motacilla alba), cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), European serins (Serinus serinus), Eurasian magpies (Pica pica), yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis), long-tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus), house sparrows (Passer domesticus), Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus), short-toed treecreepers (Certhia brachydactyla), Sardinian warblers (Sylvia melanocephala), Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto), European greenfinches (Chloris chloris), Eurasian blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), hoopoes (Upupa epops), great tits (Parus major), European robins (Erithacus rubecula), common blackbirds (Turdus merula), crested tits (Lophophanes cristatus), house martins (Delichon urbicum), great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), grey herons (Ardea cinerea), black redstarts (Phoenicurus ochruros), common swifts (Apus apus), Alpine swifts (Tachymarptis melba), common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), barn swallows (Hirundo rustica), common chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs), European goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis), and common wood pigeons (Columba palumbus).

In conclusion, Parc de Catalunya is not just a park; it's a vibrant tapestry of history, nature, art, and recreation. Whether you're looking to relax by the lake, explore the stars, enjoy a family picnic, or immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna, this park offers something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in Sabadell, make sure to carve out some time to explore this enchanting urban sanctuary.