Rat Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Leiria > Leiria > Maceira > A-do-Barbas

Location

Parque do Rato is located in the town of Maceira, within the A-do-Barbas area, in the municipality of Leiria. Situated in an area more removed from urbanisation, it offers an easily accessible environment, despite maintaining a sense of refuge and tranquillity.

A Singular Initiative

This park stands out as a public amenity space with a remarkable origin. It began as a private property, developed from 2008 by an individual who transformed an area previously covered by dense vegetation. The initial idea was to create a gathering place for friends, but the project evolved into a space open to the community, reflecting a unique desire for sharing and public well-being.

Environment and Natural Resources

At the heart of Parque do Rato, the swimming pool is one of its main attractions, providing a space for leisure and refreshment. The water supplying it comes from its own boreholes and is recognised for its thermal properties, noted for a characteristic smell that dissipates upon contact with air. In addition to the bathing area, the park features a spacious picnic area with tables and barbecues, flanked by lawns inviting rest and social interaction. An old irrigation system was transformed into a small lake, complementing the natural dimension of the space.

The Park's Cognomen

The name Parque do Rato is rooted in its creator's family history. "Rato" is a cognomen that has accompanied the family for generations, dating back to the period of the French Invasions. This name, which was initially an ancestor's nickname, was adopted to designate this leisure space, giving it a peculiar and personal identity that distinguishes it.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt