30,000 trees on 200 hectares: Europe’s new mega-park is being built here
A New Chapter for Athens: The Ellinikon Park Transformation
Poinews.com – One of Europe's most ambitious urban green projects is taking shape in the southern suburbs of Athens. The Ellinikon Park, situated on the site of a former airport, will soon become a sprawling 200-hectare oasis. By the time it welcomes visitors in early 2027, the landscape will feature over 30,000 trees and approximately three million shrubs, with greenery covering 70 percent of the entire area. Additional infrastructure developments will continue through 2030, enhancing both functionality and sustainability.
Climate-Responsive Design Through Digital Innovation
Modern technology plays a central role in shaping this urban retreat. Digital simulations utilizing thermal mapping and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) have been instrumental in weaving microclimates throughout the park's layout. These analyses informed the creation of an extensive network of "cool routes," where temperatures can drop by as much as four degrees Celsius compared to surrounding paved surfaces.
Rest areas incorporate a shading ratio exceeding 60 percent while preserving natural air circulation pathways. Vegetation selection focuses on enhancing evapotranspiration to improve thermal comfort for visitors. Water features—including channels, misting systems, and low-consumption basins—are strategically positioned to boost evaporative cooling and reduce ambient heat levels.
Smart Water Management Systems
Water conservation represents a cornerstone of the park's infrastructure. A tertiary wastewater treatment facility will generate up to 7,000 cubic metres of treated water daily, supplying all approved non-potable applications including irrigation. A dedicated storage tank holding 10,000 cubic metres provides additional capacity for water reserves.
The smart irrigation network relies on continuous data collection from weather and soil sensors. This information enables precise adjustments to water volumes based on actual vegetation requirements. According to research, this methodology can achieve water savings of up to 90 percent. Rainwater management employs both green and blue infrastructure approaches, targeting complete on-site handling of precipitation. The restoration of the Trachones stream adds another layer of flood protection while supporting natural water flows.
Native Flora and Sustainable Materials
Biodiversity remains a priority in the park's development. More than 520 plant species will be cultivated, with roughly three-quarters consisting of native or well-adapted varieties. The park's pathways integrate seamlessly into the natural terrain, forming an accessible network with continuous shading. Individual trails become embedded within vegetation, creating microclimatic pockets and alternating patterns of light and shadow.
Surface materials reflect local heritage and environmental considerations. Greek natural stones—including Kavala marble, white Dionysos-Penteli marble, Karystos slate, and Mandras sandstone—were selected for durability, thermal performance, and visual harmony with the Attic landscape. Rather than discarding resources from the former airport, concrete slabs now serve as retaining walls and plinths, while crushed aggregates fill gabions and backfills, significantly reducing the project's environmental footprint.
A Model for Urban Green Spaces
The Ellinikon Park has become the focal point of a comprehensive guide examining sustainable green space design and operation. Authored by landscape architect Dimitra Theochari alongside Lenio Myrivili, who serves as UNEP Global Chief Heat Officer and Special Advisor for Climate Resilience, the publication documents international best practices for modern urban parks.
The study demonstrates how The Ellinikon Park applies these principles across multiple dimensions—microclimate management, water systems, vegetation strategies, material selection, and route planning. This holistic methodology positions the park not merely as recreational territory, but as vital urban infrastructure capable of addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
The approach treats the park not simply as a leisure space but as an integrated piece of urban infrastructure capable of responding to the environmental challenges of the modern city.
Continuous monitoring of air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, soil moisture, and shading levels will optimize ongoing management decisions. This data-driven strategy ensures that irrigation, maintenance, and microclimate control remain responsive to changing conditions throughout the year.
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