I first saw this park by chance when I was on my way to visit La Concepción Botanical Gardens. I only looked at it from the outside, but I could feel an incredible energy, even without going in.
It's called La Alegría Park, and it's the last stop on the bus that goes to the northernmost part of the city, where you have to start walking to the botanical garden.
The second time I passed by, it was just to sit down for a moment and rest, but it seemed as if this park had called out to me, and I honestly had no idea what it was called. I was surprised to learn its name, and I can assure you that it is very well chosen, because the joy within it is overflowing.
I decided to pay it an exclusive visit and take the time to explore it thoroughly. This was long before the long rainy seasons we had in Spain. The day was almost completely cloudy and it threatened to rain, but luckily it didn't, and I was able to enjoy the place, walk along all its paths, and discover the reason for its name. The winter hours extend until 10 p.m.
The park allows pets, has incredible playgrounds that I will tell you about, many green areas with paths that go up and down, higher areas and lower areas, you can have picnics, and it also has many seats where you can rest, read a book, and simply admire the surroundings or chat with someone who accompanies you. Children can play ball and do all of the above as long as certain rules are respected, such as keeping the park tidy and clean and, of course, not disturbing others.
I arrived after midday, so the first thing I did was sit down on the first bench I found, admire the views, and eat something. It wasn't cold; in fact, there were people exercising and running, and many were dressed as if it were summer. It was still autumn, and the days were beautiful.
After a while, I set off on my tour and exploration of the place. I could see paths everywhere, intertwining and crossing each other, forming green areas as well as play areas and sports areas. You could tell that the place was well cared for, tidy, and clean. When I started walking around, I didn't realize it was so big, but it took me quite a while to explore the entire park.
On the other hand, when I reached one of the park's boundaries, I could see the mountains, knowing that the city's 29-hectare botanical garden was in that direction.
There are several special areas in this park, and this children's playground is one of them. I first saw it in the distance as I was walking along one of the paths, but when I turned around, I could see it more closely. I loved its medieval castle appearance. It was still too early for the children to come and play, but little by little they began to arrive.
I continued on my way, admiring the trees, some of which had flowers, such as the palo borracho, or “drunken tree,” as we call it in Argentina. Some have pink flowers and others have white flowers, and they are beautiful.
Another path led me to a play area, but also an exercise and rest area where there was a large structure that could be seen from almost everywhere in the park.
The paths were lined with grass, bushes, and trees, and even though it was a cloudy day, the green was intense and beautiful. That structure surrounded by greenery looked very beautiful, and I first walked around the entire area from a higher vantage point and then went down to see it more closely.
As I walked down, I realized the reason for the park's name. It is in honor of a virgin called Our Lady of Joy. But I also feel that the joy brought by the children playing is another reason, as their laughter could be heard at the other end of the park.
I walked down a central path, where I could see a fountain that wasn't working, perhaps because it was being repaired, but it still looked beautiful, as well as a place to have a drink and something to eat, very close to the castle I mentioned earlier. That's how I made my way around and ended up back where I started.
The last path I walked along was full of flowering bushes, and here in Malaga, even in autumn or winter, there is greenery and flowers, which I love. It seems like it's never really winter.
At the end of the tour, the day was still cloudy, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this wonderful park that brings joy to everyone who visits it, I can assure you.
Thank you very much for joining me today. Best regards. See you soon.
Amonet.
All photographs are my own.
Separators created by me in Photoshop.
Used translator Deepl.com free version.
//:# (!worldmappin 36.754045 lat -4.425039 long Nature, games, paths, and lots of fun – A very special park 📷 Malaga – Spain d3scr)
