It has only just been inaugurated, on March 31st, and there are already many complaints about it, especially because of the noise. In addition to the noise coming from the proximity to the A5, Jardim Campo de Ourique has no easy access and very little shade.
We recently created this list of our favorite gardens in Lisbon, and given what we’ve heard and read about Lisbon’s newest green space, we believe it may be some time before we include Jardim Campo de Ourique in our top destinations for relaxing in the city.
The Campo de Ourique Garden was created as a way of uniting history with the surrounding community in a new green space .
It is located on the EPAL Amoreiras site and culminated in a process to upgrade the exterior surfaces of the section of the Águas Livres Aqueduct, creating a large pedestrian walkway that eliminates the main barrier between the Amoreiras and Campo de Ourique neighborhoods.
During the inauguration, President Carlos Moedas highlighted the impact of the walkway on urban continuity and social integration as
This is a bridge with meaning.”
However, this same pathway is not accessible to people with reduced mobility (wheelchairs), or even people with baby carriages , difficulties encountered with some steps along the way and a gate that is difficult to cross.
In order to meet some of the needs of Lisbon residents in both neighborhoods, the Campo de Ourique Garden is equipped with green areas, a kiosk, a playground and an area for dogs, promoting moments of relaxation for all visitors.
However, it is also possible to notice, almost immediately, that the shaded areas are very scarce, and it will be some time before there is more dense planting to accommodate more cool areas.
Finally, it should be noted that the noise coming from the A5 is undoubtedly the worst feature of the new garden, as it is practically impossible to relax with all the noise pollution added to this factor.
As far as the history of the site is concerned, the new space houses the Campo de Ourique Reservoir, which is a structure dating from the late 19th century, built to ensure the efficient supply of water in the city, constituting Lisbon’s hydraulic heritage.
Promising to be a focal point for community activities, the Campo de Ourique Garden is yet another project by the City Council (in partnership with EPAL) to promote urban sustainability and, in this case, historic preservation.