Little Boat Park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Santarém > Vila Nova da Barquinha > Vila Nova da Barquinha

Location

Barquinha Park is located in the town of Vila Nova da Barquinha, right on the bank of the Tejo River. Its position within the homonymous urban development integrates it into the town's environment, providing a spacious and verdant area with views of the riverside landscape. This natural setting offers an atmosphere of serenity and is ideal for enjoying proximity to the water.

A Space for Leisure and Nature

This park spans an area of approximately seven hectares, designed to offer an inviting outdoor environment. The space was transformed from old marshlands into a vast green meadow, where about seven hundred trees were planted, contributing to a natural and relaxing atmosphere. It is a suitable place for peaceful walks along the riverside paths, for jogging, or for bicycle rides. Barquinha Park also features equipped sports zones, including futsal and basketball courts, and areas for children's leisure, with swings and various other equipment.

Outdoor Art

One of the distinctive features of Barquinha Park is its role as the venue for the Almourol Contemporary Sculpture Park. This space houses a collection of large-scale sculptures created by renowned Portuguese artists. Names such as Alberto Carneiro, Ângela Ferreira, Joana Vasconcelos, José Pedro Croft, and Pedro Cabrita Reis, among others, are represented, with works that particularly integrate into the landscape. Some pieces invite visitor interaction, offering a different experience, while others reflect elements inspired by local activities, such as a large swing or a structure shaped like a traditional fishing instrument.

Design and Recognition

Barquinha Park is the result of a landscape architecture project developed by Hipólito Bettencourt and Joana Sena Rego. Their intervention transformed the area into a cohesive and aesthetically harmonious space that integrates into the surrounding natural environment. The quality and impact of the project were formally recognized with the attribution of the National Landscape Architecture Award in 2007, in the Public Outdoor Spaces category. This award underscores the relevance and success of the park's design in creating a valuable place for the community and visitors.

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