The Las Cruces Park, an emblematic green space in Madrid, is facing criticism from environmental and citizen organizations. These groups are alerting about the potential deterioration of its green areas and mature trees as a direct consequence of its use as a venue for "mass events", such as the upcoming San Pedro Festivities, scheduled for June 25th.
Fernando López, spokesperson for the Mesa del Árbol de Carabanchel (Carabanchel Tree Council), laments that the use of established urban parks for large events is an increasingly questioned practice by green space management specialists. He points out that these ecosystems, which take decades to develop, can suffer significant damage in just a few days, especially without technical reports to certify the impact.
Among the highlighted damages are soil compaction due to the massive transit of attendees and heavy machinery, such as trucks weighing up to 3,500 kilos. This could reduce water infiltration and root oxygenation, leading to the deterioration of lawns, gardens, and vegetation cover, as well as affecting mature trees and urban fauna due to increased waste and accidental spills.
The organizations emphasize that the park's trees, over four decades old, represent an invaluable environmental investment providing essential services like thermal regulation and improved air quality. "A stage is set up in a week, but a tree takes forty years to provide the shade we enjoy today," they warn.
Activists are demanding that the Madrid City Council prepare independent technical reports and assessments to determine the environmental impacts and strengthen tree protection. They propose the Salvador Allende Park as a more suitable alternative, as it has a specific fairground designed for large-scale events.
"Defending Las Cruces Park does not mean being against the festivities. It means defending a city model that protects its natural heritage and plans its celebrations responsibly and sustainably," they state, opposing the temporary loss of a space intended for the rest and daily enjoyment of residents.
The complaint is supported by dozens of environmental entities and citizen groups, including the Regional Federation of Neighborhood Associations of Madrid (FRAVM), ARBA, and Ecologists in Action. This publication attempted to obtain a statement from the Madrid City Council's Environment Department without success.
