Lapa Urban Park: Officially opened in the heart of Porto

Source: Porto.

The heart of Porto has a new green lung. The Lapa Urban Park, developed through a public-private partnership with Mercan Properties, was officially inaugurated on December 5, a green area featuring 17,000 square meters, offering a fresh breath of nature to locals and visitors alike.

The park is named in honor of Dr. Mário Soares, a pivotal figure in Portuguese democracy, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday on this day. As part of the tribute, a bust of Mário Soares—designed by sculptor Lagoa Henriques—was installed, symbolizing his enduring legacy. The ceremony was attended by Portugal’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who emphasized the importance of Mário Soares’ fight for freedom and democracy. “This park is not just a space of the past but a symbol of the future,” remarked the President, calling the inauguration an appeal to continue the struggle for liberty and democratic values.

Mayor Rui Moreira highlighted Mário Soares’ deep connection with Porto, calling it the "City of Freedom" and remembering it as his first destination for an official visit as President in 1986. He also underlined the city’s efforts in environmental sustainability, with significant investments aimed at combating climate change. The development of Lapa Urban Park is part of Porto’s larger strategy to expand green areas, adding to the 77 hectares of rehabilitated green spaces in recent years. Mercan Properties played a key role in bringing this project to life, investing 3 million euros in the park’s construction, in addition to 1 million euros for infrastructure improvements already invested in upgrading the roads in the Lapa area.

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