Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s García Sanabria Park Marks Centenary

García Sanabria Park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife celebrates its centenary this October, marking 100 years as a vital social and urban landmark in the Canary Islands. Spanning over 67,000 square meters, the park is not only the capital’s most important green space but also a living record of 20th-century Spanish urban planning.

The park is home to over a thousand trees and nearly 300 different plant species. Its origins date back to 1907, when journalist Patricio Estévanez Murphy proposed creating a public space for recreation and health. His idea gained support from architect Manuel de Cámara y Cruz and Dr. Diego Guigou. The project became a reality thanks to a community-led fundraising effort spearheaded by then-mayor Santiago García Sanabria. Through a special commission, they raised 200,000 pesetas, which, combined with 25,000 pesetas from the city, allowed for the purchase of the land between Robayna, José Naveiras, Méndez Núñez, and the Rambla.

Since its official opening in 1926, the park has evolved significantly. While it retains its original radial walkway design, it has become a cultural treasure trove. Notable features include the monument to Mayor García Sanabria, designed by José Enrique Marrero Regalado with reliefs by Francisco Borges Salas, and the iconic Flower Clock, donated by Danish consul Peder C. Larsen in 1958. The park also serves as an open-air museum, displaying 21 sculptures, including 13 pieces from the 1973 International Street Sculpture Exhibition.

The park has adapted to the changing needs of the city over the decades. Local chronicler José Manuel Ledesma notes its deep role in the community’s memory, citing past features like the former zoo and the children's pond, which was redesigned in 1957 with mythological sculptures by Angelo Cherubin.

Following a major renovation between 2004 and 2006—which removed perimeter fences to make the park more accessible—it remains a hub for local life. It continues to host traditional events, such as book and craft fairs and the beloved Gorgoritos puppet shows, which have been a staple since 1956. With its well-maintained water lily pond and modern facilities, the park remains as essential to the quality of life in Santa Cruz today as it was a century ago.