Santa Cruz promises to plant 2,000 trees in the Viera y Clavijo park after restoration.

The Viera y Clavijo Park in Santa Cruz, which was closed for restoration back in 2023, is promised to be transformed into the "new lungs of the city." After the completion of the works carried out by the city authorities, as many as 2,000 new trees will be planted there! This was announced by Carlos Tarife, advisor on municipal issues. By the way, the CaixaForum headquarters is scheduled to open here in 2027.

This is how the advisor responded to the accusations of the environmental organizations "Los Árboles Hablan" and "Para la Defensa del Viera y Clavijo." They stated that trees, including cypresses and palms, are being "unnecessarily cut down" in the park.

Tarife assured that the city authorities take care of all the trees in the city, especially during construction works. The trees that may be affected are carefully looked after. And in the case of the Viera y Clavijo Park, the restoration contract even stipulates the planting of 2,000 new trees of various species. They will be selected jointly by the contractor (Sando) and specialists from parks and gardens.

The advisor emphasized that the authorities are already tired of such accusations, which are not supported by facts. They say that the organizations claim that the park is neglected, but this is not true. Such statements do not respect the work of municipal services and sow panic among people.

"The park's restoration is proceeding according to plan. The plants are cared for by specialists and a special group from parks and gardens, as well as the company carrying out the works. After the reconstruction is completed, the park will become a large oasis for the city," Tarife assured.

He explained that the transplanting, felling, and planting of trees is carried out by the contracting company, and the company FCC, which maintains green areas, is responsible for the ongoing maintenance.

The advisor assured that even during the park's closure, the trees were regularly watered and cared for. "The park is cared for twice a week. The irrigation system is checked. Special attention is paid to the Ceiba pentandra tree, which is considered a natural monument. The grass is also regularly mowed."

"The maintenance company reported any damage to plants caused by the contractor, and they were immediately eliminated. Therefore, the vegetation in the park is healthy and safe. The contract provides for the protection of plants and the transplanting of large trees," he added.

Tarife also noted that all problems that arose during the works were reported to the infrastructure department, and they were promptly resolved. For example, construction materials were removed near trees or damaged pipes were replaced.

According to the reconstruction project, developed back in 2021, it was planned to cut down 12 trees. But at the beginning of the works, it turned out that the cypresses inside the park were in poor condition. Due to the widening of the sidewalk, it was decided to remove a diseased cypress and one smaller tree to free up space for pedestrians. A parkinsonia tree, which posed a danger to visitors, was also cut down, and other trees were transplanted.