La Escola La Farigola de Vallcarca will unveil a new naturalised playground space of 120 m² next term, funded by the social return of Park Güell. The works, which will begin this summer, aim to connect the centre with the natural surroundings of Bosc Turull.
The plot adjacent to the sports court of La Escola La Farigola de Vallcarca, in the Barcelonian neighbourhood of the same name, will be transformed over the coming months into an outdoor play and learning area. The project, driven by the Consorci d'Educació and the Gràcia district, is entirely funded by the social return of the revenues from Park Güell, a mechanism that has already enabled other improvements in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
The new 120 square metre space will not only expand the centre's recreational area but will also be directly connected to the environmental classroom Bosc Turull, a municipal facility that the school frequently uses for environmental education activities. The idea is for the playground to become a natural extension of that learning space, featuring native vegetation, shaded areas, and furniture made from sustainable materials.
A summer of works to minimise disruption
The works will be carried out during the non-school summer period, with completion expected by the end of September. This way, the centre will be able to inaugurate the new playground at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year without construction tasks interfering with school activities. The project includes the installation of play elements that encourage free play and physical activity, as well as the creation of resting areas with topsoil and new vegetation.
According to sources from the Gràcia district, this initiative is part of the municipal commitment to naturalise school playgrounds in the city and create healthier and more inclusive educational environments. In this case, the link with Park Güell is not coincidental: the social return from the iconic park, managed by the Barcelona City Council, is precisely allocated to projects that benefit the neighbourhoods in its area of influence, including Vallcarca and El Coll.
A centre with history and educational vocation
La Escola La Farigola de Vallcarca is not just any school. Inaugurated on March 9, 1923, it was a pioneering public school in the city, aimed at educating the working-class families of the neighbourhood. It actively participated in the pedagogical movement that sought to change the way of teaching, promoting active learning over the traditional model. Its building, designed by architect Josep Goday, is an example of Catalan noucentisme and is listed as a cultural asset of local interest.
With this expansion, the centre reinforces its commitment to an education linked to the natural and social environment. The new playground will not only serve for recreation but will also be integrated into curricular activities, especially those related to environmental knowledge and sustainability. Students will be able, for example, to observe the flora and fauna of Bosc Turull without leaving the school grounds.
The investment, the amount of which has not been detailed, is part of a broader set of social and territorial return actions taking place in the neighbourhoods of the Gràcia and Horta-Guinardó districts. Among them, improvements in public facilities, green spaces, and educational projects stand out. For the residents of Vallcarca, this project represents a direct benefit from the tourist activity of Park Güell, often perceived as a source of income that does not always benefit the neighbourhood.
The families at the centre have received the news with satisfaction. “It’s a space we’ve needed for years,” explains a mother who is a member of the AMPA. “Now the children will be able to enjoy a larger and more natural playground, and also connected to the forest. It’s wonderful.” The works will begin in the coming weeks, and the expectation is that, if all goes according to plan, the students of La Farigola de Vallcarca will debut their new playground right after returning from the summer holidays.
You may also like
