Sintra Political Bloc Proposes 80-Hectare Urban Park in Alto de Colaride
The Sintra contingent of the Bloco de Esquerda (BE) has formally proposed the creation of a vast natural and cultural park in the Alto de Colaride, an 80-hectare green space bordering the densely populated parishes of Agualva, Mira Sintra, and Massamá. The announcement was made following a site visit where party candidates documented what they described as the “state of abandonment” of the area, citing the degradation of historical structures and the illegal dumping of waste. The proposal aims to protect a region rich in natural and historical assets from the growing pressures of urban expansion. The Alto de Colaride contains significant archaeological remains from the Roman and medieval periods, alongside unique geological formations and a diverse ecosystem currently under threat. For three decades, calls from residents and environmental advocates to establish a protected park have gone unanswered, despite previous initiatives and promises from both socialist and social-democratic local governments. The BE's plan positions the park as a future “green lung” for the municipality, emphasizing its role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity preservation, and as a public space for recreation and cultural activities. “Transforming this hillside into an urban park is a definitive way to protect our shared heritage and return a high-quality space to the community,” a party spokesperson stated. The project is being presented as a critical measure for sustainable development in the Lisbon metropolitan area. The implementation of the park would involve a significant community development effort, requiring collaboration between municipal authorities, environmental groups, and local residents. Funding for the project would likely be sourced from a combination of municipal budgets and national or EU-level environmental grants. The timeline for completion would depend on the political will to advance the project through the necessary planning and approval stages. The primary community benefit would be the creation of a large, accessible green space, which is expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents in the surrounding urban areas. The project would also have a positive economic impact by making the region more attractive for residents and potentially boosting local tourism. The long-term vision for the Alto de Colaride is to create a managed and protected landscape that serves as both a recreational asset and an ecological sanctuary. The success of the park will be evaluated based on metrics such as visitor numbers, biodiversity indicators, and resident satisfaction surveys. Explore community-focused property opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.