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San Javier Town Council's Tourism Department has transformed three previously unused plots in La Manga, giving them a new lease of life while helping to tackle the urban heat island effect that tends to make built up areas even hotter during summer.

 

The work has taken place across sites in Polígono D, Aldeas de Taray and Polígono G, all of which had sat with no real purpose until now.

 

Each site has been fitted with new paving, trees, pergolas and, depending on the space available, calisthenics equipment or children's play areas, turning what were once neglected plots into spaces residents can actually use.

 

The council opted for permeable paving rather than traditional paving stones, since it absorbs less solar radiation and helps keep surface temperatures down. Trees and greenery have been worked into each site strategically, alongside shaded areas created with pergolas, along with space for recreation and physical activity where the layout allowed for it.

 

The project's main aims were to bring down surface temperatures, put unused urban land back into service and improve the look of areas that had previously been left to deteriorate.

 

"This contributes to the improvement of the urban environment, increases thermal and environmental comfort, enhances citizen use of the spaces involved, and contributes to the sustainability and climate adaptation objectives of the Tourism Sustainability Destination Plan," the council explained.

 

The timing looks particularly well judged, with another heatwave forecast to hit the Region of Murcia this week. With temperatures set to climb again, the newly shaded, cooler spaces in La Manga could offer residents and visitors a welcome bit of relief from the heat.

 

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist offices of San Javier (main contact number 661 572285) or go to the home page of San Javier Today.