Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveils transformative Metropolitan Park in Attica

In Greece, on November 29, 2024, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hosted an official presentation for a new Metropolitan Park located in Faliro Bay, marking a pivotal moment for urban development in the region. Titled 'AENAON, the Open Park of the Mediterranean,' the park promises recreational and cultural spaces for citizens of Attica and visitors alike. The project emphasizes collaboration with local government and aims to enhance quality of life through carefully planned urban renovations. Under the guidance of the regional governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, the initiative showcases sustainable practices and aims to become a model for public investments across Europe. During the event, attendees were provided with a 3D visualization of the park's final design, highlighting the extensive leisure and cultural facilities that the area will offer. The Prime Minister underscored the park's significance not only for local citizens but for the entire Mediterranean region, transforming the coastline into a vibrant community hub. The collaboration with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and the revival of Olympic installations embodies the project’s extensive vision, which aims to revitalize the coastal front from Piraeus to Sounion. Nikos Hardalias articulated the project as a response to urban needs, promoting sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion in urban planning. He pointed out that the designation of the park as the 'Open Park of the Mediterranean' reflects the importance of the sea for Attica from economic, cultural, and geopolitical perspectives. The regional government expressed gratitude for the support from the central government and emphasized the expectation of completing the project on schedule, as they strive to set a high benchmark in urban redevelopment. The European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, also acknowledged the park's importance, identifying it as an exemplar of successful public investment and innovation. She noted that the project is backed by significant financial support from the European Commission, which exceeds 90 million euros, further establishing it as a flagship endeavor that connects human experience with nature. The overall vision for the park symbolizes a broader strategy for urban revitalization and stability in Attica, aiming to improve the daily lives of its residents through enhanced public spaces and community engagement.