After eight months of delays, resident reactions and changes to the original plans, Larnaca's upgraded Pattichio Municipal Park, the largest in area in the city, has been completed and handed over to the public.
According to the Larnaca Municipality, the redesign was guided primarily by respect for the natural environment and by connecting the user with the park and the surrounding area of the salt lake wetland. The circular elevated footbridge, which was developed around the perimeter of the existing amphitheatre, created a new space for walking and viewing.
The official opening of the upgraded Pattichio Municipal Park is expected this coming October or November. The park, which opened its gates to the public a few days ago, is considered the largest in area in the city of Larnaca, and features modern infrastructure for walking, sport and recreation. In essence, it is a unique natural landscape beside the great salt lake, a space that connects the town with the beautiful wetland.
Construction work began in October 2023, with a budget exceeding five million euros. The Pattichio Park was delayed by around eight months, mainly due to changes made to the park's design and the removal of specific works that had originally been included in the plans. These changes came about following strong reactions and protests from residents, who called for fewer concrete surfaces within the park.
According to the Larnaca Municipality, the redesign was guided primarily by respect for the natural environment and by connecting the user with the park and the surrounding area of the salt lake wetland. The circular elevated footbridge, developed around the perimeter of the existing amphitheatre, created a new space for walking and viewing, while a cafe-restaurant, a playground and a botanical garden with aromatic plants have also been created within the park, offering a space for walking and relaxation that leads down to the water's edge. Two new viewing points now allow visitors to enjoy the view of the salt lake, and appropriate spaces have also been created to host events. At the same time, new routes for pedestrians and cyclists have been created, greenery has been enhanced with new planting, and directional and information signage has been installed.
"Users, residents and visitors alike, will be able to exercise, socialise, attend cultural events and take in, from privileged viewing points, the salt lake and the broader natural beauty of the area surrounding Pattichio Park," the Larnaca Municipality noted in its announcement.
We remind readers that the adjacent Pattichio Amphitheatre was also upgraded a few months ago, with the installation of new seating, while security at the site was strengthened with permanent 24-hour surveillance and patrols. Mayor Andreas Vyras said that public feedback on the new park has generally been positive, adding that the official opening is likely to take place this coming autumn.
A general "facelift"
The Larnaca Municipality announced that work was also carried out on the existing infrastructure in the area surrounding Pattichio. The pedestrian walkways and park entrances were repaired, the old lighting was replaced with modern, vandal-resistant fixtures, and street furniture was renewed while the fencing was maintained. The interventions aimed to make the park fully accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities, while vehicle access was restricted and controlled, mainly to serve the needs of the amphitheatre. At the same time, new parking spaces and restroom facilities have been added, and the area around the existing monument was also upgraded.
The creation of Pattichio Park Larnaca was carried out under the "THALIA 2021-2027" cohesion policy programme, co-funded by the European Union.
