San Javier moves ahead with plans for new floodable park
A €2.3 million project aims to protect against flooding while transforming a neglected urban area into a vibrant green space
San Javier’s Ayuntamiento has begun preparing an ambitious plan to turn the Rambla de Cobatillas into a floodable park, a space designed to safely absorb and store heavy rainwater during storms. By allowing water to spread naturally within a controlled area, the park will help protect nearby streets and buildings from flooding while also creating a new green public space. The project, which has been put out to tender, has a maximum budget of €2.3 million including VAT.
As officials explained, the initiative is based on “renaturalising the environment and managing rainwater in a controlled way” to help reduce flooding, limit soil erosion and improve the area’s environmental and visual quality. The site chosen lies within the block bordered by Jabalina Street, Quevedo Street and the N-332 highway, in the urban section of the ravine as it passes through San Javier.
Under the plans, the current degraded area will be completely reimagined. Existing structures will be demolished and asphalt removed to restore the land’s natural permeability. Earthworks will then reshape the site into a natural retention basin, designed to temporarily hold excess runoff during heavy rain. The gentle slopes will be reinforced with large stones known as ‘riprap’ and boulders to avoid erosion and slow the flow of water.
One of the park’s standout features will be a permanent artificial lagoon of around 250 square metres. Conceived as a small urban wetland, it will include aquatic vegetation, floating islands and solar-powered aeration and recirculation systems to support water quality and biodiversity.
Plans also include accessible walking paths built with permeable surfaces that can withstand flooding without damage, connecting the park seamlessly with surrounding residential areas. Native plants will be used in the revegetation process, chosen for their low water needs and ability to filter agricultural runoff. By doing so, the project will also help protect the Mar Menor lagoon from pollutants carried by rainwater.
Visitors will find new facilities for leisure and fitness, from outdoor gym equipment to seating areas and bike parking, all fully integrated with the park’s hydraulic design. The entire system will be operated through remote control and automation, allowing it to adapt in real time to changing weather conditions.
Supported by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, the project forms part of wider efforts to restore ecological balance and improve environmental resilience in the Mar Menor area.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist offices of San Javier (main contact number 0034 661 572 285) or go to the home page of San Javier Today
Image: Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura
Address
Calle Padre Juan. Centro Cultural Principe de Asturias 30720 SAN JAVIERTel: 968 571 704
Oficina de Turismo de San Javier
The municipality of San Javier has three main offices giving tourist information to visitors, as well as two information points. The tourist offices are located in Santiago de la Ribera, on the ground floor of the town hall in San Javier and at the start of La Manga. There is also a summer tourist information point located on the seafront in Santiago de la Ribera as well as one at kilometre 12-13 of La Manga del Mar Menor next to Playa Mistral.
Due to its location on the fringes of the Mar Menor and Mediterranean, San Javier has a period of intense summer tourism activity during the peak summer months, although it is popular with retirees of all nationalities out of peak season.
Tickets for the annual San Javier Jazz Festival can be purchased at the Festival office in San Javier Town Hall, Plaza de España.
Timetables summer 2024:
Tourist office Santiago de la Ribera (Calle Padre Juan 30720, Santiago de la Ribera)
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00
Telephone: 661 572285
Email: turismo@sanjavier.es
La Manga del Mar Menor (Gran Vía Km. 0 30380, La Manga del Mar Menor):
May 1 to September 30:
Weekdays 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.30 to 13.00
Telephone 968 128955 ext. 2
Tourist information point of San Javier (Plaza de España, 30730 San Javier):
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00
968 573 700 ext #5351
Email: concejaliadeturismo@sanjavier.es
Tourist information point of Santiago de la Ribera (Paseo Colón on the seafront)
Weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 21.00
Weekends and public holidays 10.00 to 13.00
Tourist information point of La Manga del Mar Menor (Playa Mistral, km 12)
Weekdays 11.00 to 18.00
Weekends and public holidays 11.00 to 14.00
