Plaça d'Europa, located north of the urban center and in front of the Àngel Guimerà School, has undergone a comprehensive improvement to adapt it to current needs and make it more welcoming. The space is now greener and more sustainable, with a large central children's play area, landscaped flowerbeds on the sides, a dozen benches, and 22 more efficient LED lighting points. The total investment was 337,334 euros, divided into four lots executed by different companies.
The project has been expanded with the incorporation of a unified asphalt platform on Carrer de l'Arquitecte Florensa, connecting the square and the school. According to the Councilor for Urbanism, Gabriel Lacambra, this is an initial model of a school island intended for implementation in front of other city schools to calm traffic and increase pedestrian safety.
This intervention aims to transform the public spaces surrounding schools into safer zones for students and their families during drop-off and pick-up times, encouraging walking and creating friendlier meeting spaces for the school community. The goal is to reconvert these areas into protected environments where cars are no longer the main focus, and pedestrians gain comfort and tranquility.
In addition to the Àngel Guimerà School, similar islands are planned in front of the Jacint Verdaguer School, the Escola Pia, and the Escola Vedruna. The future island in front of the Escola Pia, affecting Plaça del Pare Carles Perelló, will depend on the school's expansion works. For the Escola Maria Mercè Marçal, Carrer de Pau Casals already functions as a dead-end street with similar uses. Furthermore, the planned future variant of the C-14 is expected to reduce traffic on Avinguda d'Ondara.
The traffic calming model will extend along Carrer de l'Arquitecte Florensa, between Carrer de Gabriel de Tàrrega and Berenguer IV, which also hosts the La Pau nursery school. Signage and bollards will soon be installed to restrict vehicle access, although service vehicles will be permitted. The City Council is also exploring nearby parking alternatives through agreements for the use of private land.
