Residents of Sant Andreu can now enjoy the new water play area at Parc d’Antoni Santiburcio, which opened this past weekend. This is the third water feature to be added to the district, joining those already at Parc del Canòdrom and Plaça de la Lluita per les Llibertats. The facilities will be operational daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, a schedule set to ensure the rest of nearby residents.
This opening marks a reopening, as the area was first launched in 2018. However, it had to be closed just days later due to a gastroenteritis outbreak. A year later, the water feature reopened, but only as an ornamental fountain. Its return to its original function has been met with satisfaction by residents, who express that "it was greatly missed".
Many residents have voiced their happiness about the reopening. One resident, who visited with her children, commented that "it was about time they put it in, because we've been very hot" and that during the time it was closed "the children were playing in an ornamental fountain." "It's great that they've put it in. The children enjoy it, and so do we with them," she added.
Another resident highlights the importance of having a "free space to cool off" in a neighborhood far from the beach. He even suggests that the hours could be extended to 9 PM, as the area is away from residential buildings. Omar, playing with his younger sister, also appreciates it: "Better here than at home, where it's very hot."
To combat the high temperatures, awnings have been installed in another children's play area within the same park to provide shade throughout the day.
In the city of Barcelona, there are a total of 18 spaces with water play features, recommended for children aged 5 years and older. It is necessary to wear appropriate footwear, and pets are not allowed. Unlike ornamental fountains, bathing is permitted in these play areas.
Separately, the water play area on Avinguda de Mistral in Sant Antoni, which also recently opened, suffered vandalism shortly after its inauguration. According to municipal sources, the facilities were damaged, forcing a temporary closure. The City Council has expedited repairs to reopen it as soon as possible.
