Floodable Urban Park 'La Marjal'


 

 

A nature-based solution

 

The “La Marjal” Floodable Urban Park is a prominent example of a nature-based solution and a pioneering project in the implementation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). Promoted jointly by Alicante City Council and Aguas de Alicante, and inaugurated in March 2015, this project has transformed an area of ​​San Juan Beach, previously problematic due to flooding, into a green lung for the city.

“La Marjal” not only effectively solves the flooding problems in the Hole 1 area of ​​San Juan Beach thanks to its retention capacity of up to 45,000 m³ of water, but also offers a leisure and recreational space for citizens, promoting biodiversity and improving the quality of life in the area. Its design, based on the natural functioning of Mediterranean marshes, represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution, becoming an example of the integration of infrastructure and nature.

During 2025, the "La Marjal" Floodable Park will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a program of extraordinary activities of various kinds, alongside its usual activities (guided tours, bird ringing days, etc.). In addition to this calendar of celebrations, taking advantage of this anniversary, "La Marjal" Park has launched a brand identity that visually captures the importance the infrastructure has achieved in this decade, with its hydraulic, ecosystemic, and social functions.

 

  • 10th anniversary of La Marjal Park

    It seems like yesterday, but the truth is that a lot has happened since that day. That day when we developed a singular, futuristic, transformative project. An innovative floodable park that combines the most advanced technology with nature-based solutions to protect us from floods caused by heavy rains. But the most special thing of all is that for these 10 years, "La Marjal" has been filled with much more than just water. We celebrate 10 years full of shared moments, full of memories, of glances, 10 years full of nature, of biodiversity, of walks, comings and goings in the open air. After all, there is nothing like feeling full. That's why we are here and that is why for 10 years in La Marjal Park every drop that falls fills us with life. "La Marjal" Park is a hydraulic infrastructure that is a model, a model of environmental management and sustainability both nationally and internationally, which has also met the three basic objectives for which it was designed and executed. Firstly, to alleviate the effects of the terrible floods that this entire beach area systematically suffered. Secondly, to be able to manage all that flood water, that flash flood water, and to be able to purify it so that it does not go directly into the sea and contaminate it. And, thirdly, it is a social space, a space for recreation for all citizens. This global nature-based solution is a clear demonstration of how engineering and the natural environment can come together to protect people and improve their quality of life. "La Marjal" Park, 10 years full of life.

 

The park's triple function

An innovative hydraulic system

"La Marjal" Park acts as a highly efficient stormwater management system. Its design allows it to retain up to 45,000 m3 of water during intense rainfall episodes, preventing flooding in the surrounding urban area, especially in the Hoyo 1 urbanization of San Juan Beach. This innovative system, unlike traditional methods, avoids the construction of costly channels for direct discharge into the sea. The retained water is managed in a controlled manner, diverting it to the drainage network or the wastewater treatment plant once the intensity of the rain decreases. The large surface area of the park allows for a slow and controlled filling, minimizing the risk of overflow. The system includes a series of technological equipment, such as gates to control emptying, recirculation pumps, and alert systems, which guarantee its optimal performance.

An environment for biodiversity conservation

The park has become an important habitat for local and stationary fauna, especially for birds. Its two ornamental ponds, carefully selected vegetation, and proximity to the coast make it an ideal spot for resident and migratory species. Since 2018, more than 100 bird species have been recorded in the park, thanks to the ringing sessions that are carried out regularly. Many of these species are protected by law, including some that are endangered. The presence of these birds demonstrates the park's effectiveness as a biological corridor and its contribution to biodiversity conservation in the area. Creating this unique environment has been possible thanks to the measures and actions in favor of biodiversity protection that are carried out annually in this space. Among these actions, the installation of nesting boxes for species such as the common kingfisher or the common house martin, bird monitoring tasks, and the development of an action protocol against invasive exotic species stand out.

A space for citizens

"La Marjal" Park offers a green leisure space for the citizens of Alicante. In addition to the two ornamental ponds, the park features a viewpoint, a hill, a waterfall, and a pedestrian walkway that connects two previously separated urban areas. These elements, along with the extensive vegetation and trails, create a pleasant atmosphere for strolling, relaxing, and actively enjoying nature. The park is also part of the Alicante City Council's Urban Trail Network, which integrates it into the city's leisure offerings. The open days and bird ringing activities also contribute to the park's revitalization and its integration into the community.