Science Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Porto > Matosinhos > Custóias, Leça do Balio e Guifões > Pinguela

Location

The Science Park is located in the Pinguela area, integrated into the localities of Custóias, Leça do Balio, and Guifões, in the municipality of Matosinhos. This green space rises as a hill on the right bank of the Leça River, establishing itself as a distinct point of interest in the surrounding urban landscape.

Its strategic location allows access to paths that contour the elevation up to the park's highest level, offering unhindered views of the surrounding area, an invitation to contemplate the horizon.

From Landfill to Park: The Regeneration

The history of the Science Park is a remarkable example of environmental transformation. The site that today hosts this vibrant green space was, until 2009, the Matosinhos sanitary landfill. Its inauguration, in May of that year, marked the completion of an ambitious landscape requalification project, entirely focused on environmental recovery and the return of this area to the community.

Through a careful process of capping the former landfill and installing essential infrastructure, the park has become a model for the renaturalization of a space, offering a vast leisure area and a valuable point of contact with nature.

Nature, Leisure, and Landscape

With approximately 8 hectares in size, the park exhibits rich and diverse vegetation, predominantly featuring native and riparian tree species. It is possible to observe Portuguese oaks, cork oaks, ash trees, umbrella pines, poplars, and willows, the result of continuous planting efforts that enrich the local flora.

For those seeking well-being and physical activity, the park offers an ecopath that follows the enhanced banks of the Leça River. Within the park, visitors can enjoy a Hanging Garden, a playground dedicated to the youngest visitors, and an outdoor gym. One of the most sought-after spots is undoubtedly the panoramic swing, which invites moments of serenity and appreciation of the surrounding landscape.

A Hub for Science and Sustainability

The Science Park positions itself as a dynamic space for exploration and learning, integrating a set of facilities dedicated to the demonstration of renewable energies. Experimental models of solar and wind energy are present, underscoring the space's strong commitment to sustainability and environmental education.

The park also houses the Environmental Education Center, an important hub for raising awareness on environmental and scientific issues. Through didactic laboratory experiments and outdoor interpretive trails, visitors are invited to deepen their knowledge on crucial topics such as energy, water, waste management, and nature conservation, in a practical and engaging approach.

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