El Palau d’Anglesola successfully revalidated its three honorary flowers last Friday in Reus, during the 15th Viles Florides Gala. This recognition underscores the quantity and quality of the municipality's green spaces, making it the only one in Pla d'Urgell participating in this urban greening initiative.
The distinction also highlights the collective effort involving gardeners, the municipal brigade, the local Vila Florida commission, volunteers, and residents. Actions such as litter collection, altruistic watering of plants, and reporting issues with the irrigation system contribute to maintaining public spaces in excellent condition.
The jury specifically noted El Palau d'Anglesola's 117,435 square meters of public green spaces and, notably, the significant citizen participation in their upkeep. Institutions like the nursery school, Arnau Berenguer school, and the Ca la Cileta elderly residence actively contribute to the care and enjoyment of these areas.
“"Being a flowered town goes beyond being a beautiful town; it's about committing to being a healthy and happy town."
Viles Florides unites 177 municipalities from Catalonia and parishes in Andorra dedicated to urban green spaces as a source of well-being. During the gala, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, Òscar Ordeig, emphasized that being a flowered town signifies a commitment to citizen health and happiness.
Participating municipalities undergo a biennial audit assessing indicators such as investment, water conservation, vegetation diversity, energy use, and urban furniture. Experienced landscape architects from across Catalonia evaluate the integration of green spaces into the life of towns and cities.
At the gala, jury members advocated for the renaturalization of municipalities as a response to the anxiety and uncertainty associated with climate change. They also stressed that this commitment involves not only planting trees and plants but also conserving water, reducing road traffic, and investing in clean energy. They concluded that 'The best way to design the future is to cultivate the present'.
