Reservoir recreation park

Category: Nature > Park

District: Vila Real > Chaves > Vila Verde da Raia > Açude

Location

The Açude Leisure Park is located in Vila Verde da Raia, in the municipality of Chaves, situated within the area that gives it its name: Açude. This location offers a tranquil setting, close to the riverbank, where the natural environment converges with accessibility, providing a characteristic landscape of the Trás-os-Montes region.

The Historic Açude Weir

The weir that defines this park is a structure with about a century of history, representing one of the first engineering works from the Estado Novo era. For many years, its primary function was to serve as a vital irrigation channel for the fertile plain of Chaves, significantly contributing to local agricultural activity.

On the bank of the dam, a cylindrical element bears an inscription with a quote from Salazar, highlighting the importance of irrigation as a matter of great economic, social, and military interest. This text underscores the era's vision of how irrigation could enhance national heritage, create public wealth, absorb demographic excess, and boost the country's internal and external trade.

Summer Memories

In the 60s and 70s, the Açude Leisure Park was a privileged meeting point for local youth. Recognized as a preferred spot for swimming and socializing, this was where many Flavienses spent warm summer days, building memories of leisure and camaraderie by the water.

A Space for Relaxation

Currently, the park invites visitors to enjoy a serene outdoor environment. The space is equipped with picnic tables, ideal for those seeking a moment of pause and wishing to enjoy a meal or snack in a natural setting. Although the river's water level may vary, especially during warmer months, the place retains its charm, serving as a refuge for those who appreciate tranquility and contact with nature.

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