According to news reports, The Ellinikon Park in Elliniko, Greece, will transform a former airport into a 200-hectare urban green space featuring more than 30,000 trees and three million shrubs. Scheduled to open to the public in early 2027 with full infrastructure additions extending through 2030, the project integrates advanced microclimate design, smart water management, and local Greek building materials to combat modern urban heat challenges.
Microclimate Design and Cool Routes
Digital simulations utilizing thermal mapping and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) shaped the park’s layout, according to the study authored by landscape architect Dimitra Theochari and UNEP Global Chief Heat Officer Lenio Myrivili. These tools informed a network of “cool routes” where temperatures can drop up to four degrees Celsius compared to neighboring asphalted areas.
Rest areas within the park are engineered with a shading ratio exceeding 60 percent while preserving natural air circulation. Vegetation is strategically deployed to boost evapotranspiration. Water features—including channels, misting systems, and low-consumption basins—further lower ambient temperatures through evaporative cooling, according to the project plans.
Smart Water Management and Drought Resilience
To survive intense heatwaves, the park incorporates a tertiary wastewater treatment unit capable of producing up to 7,000 cubic metres of treated water daily for non-potable uses like irrigation. A 10,000-cubic-metre storage tank supports water security during peak heat stress.
The park deploys a smart irrigation system relying on real-time weather and soil sensor data. According to the study by Theochari and Myrivili, this precise volume adjustment can slash water consumption by up to 90 percent. Additionally, 100 percent of rainwater will be managed on site via green and blue infrastructure, alongside the ecological restoration of the Trachones stream for flood protection.
Scale and Comparison With Global Urban Parks
Spanning two million square metres, Ellinikon will stand as Europe’s largest coastal urban park. According to comparative data, it is roughly 40 percent larger than London’s Hyde Park at 142 hectares, matches Berlin’s 210-hectare Tiergarten, and dwarfs Brussels’ 30-hectare Parc du Cinquantenaire by nearly seven times.
While New York’s Central Park covers 341 hectares—making it about 1.7 times larger—Ellinikon distinguishes itself through its unique two-kilometre direct connection to the seafront. This coastal positioning sets it apart from landlocked European counterparts and far outscales waterfront sites like Barcelona’s Parc de la Ciutadella.
Pro Tip: Sustainable Urban Development
Modern climate resilience relies on repurposing existing materials. Ellinikon utilizes concrete slabs from former airport facilities to build retaining walls and plinths, significantly reducing the construction’s overall environmental footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will The Ellinikon Park open to the public?
The park is scheduled to open in early 2027, with additional infrastructure developments rolling out through 2030.
How much water does the smart irrigation system save?
According to the study by Dimitra Theochari and Lenio Myrivili, the smart irrigation system can save up to 90 percent of water by utilizing real-time sensor data.
What local materials are used in the park’s construction?
Designers selected Greek natural materials including Kavala marble, white Dionysos-Penteli marble, Karystos slate, and Mandras sandstone to ensure durability and aesthetic harmony with the Attic landscape.
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