Galia Park, which connects the neighborhoods of Padre Jesús and Cruz de San Jorge in Ronda, has undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once a deteriorated and dangerous space, with broken streetlights, damaged benches, and uncontrolled undergrowth, is now a green lung where residents and visitors can stroll and enjoy nature.
The initiative began approximately two years ago when a group of residents, initially met with skepticism by some, decided to undertake the task of recovering the park. Their work focused on saving native species such as holm oaks and olive trees, and over time, more volunteers joined the cause, expanding the objective to the comprehensive recovery of the space.
Almost four years after the initial work, the park is practically 95% cleared, with only a small plot remaining. The volunteers have dedicated countless hours of their free time, facing difficulties, to make this green area accessible and attractive, even for motorhome tourists visiting the city.
“"Now it's just up to the City Council to make it beautiful and maintain it."
Currently, efforts are directed towards the final details, such as restoring benches and creating “zen areas” with native plants like rosemary. A Dutch resident, specialized in gardening, is leading this more meticulous work. The Ronda City Council has begun to collaborate, providing machinery for shredding undergrowth and installing new urban furniture.
Some volunteers have also proposed to the council the acquisition of adjacent land to the park, where a small lagoon forms, with the vision of creating a space similar to the Barrera lagoon in Málaga, an artificial wetland that hosts rich biodiversity.
