The task at hand was substantial, covering over 2.5 million square metres, 213 designated green areas, and the upkeep of 7,000 palm trees. To meet these demands, the contract specifications significantly increased the workforce from 12 to 30 employees, with the stated goal of achieving comprehensive maintenance across all public green spaces.
Yet, nearly three months on, the reality on the ground appears far removed from the expectations set forth.
Nowhere is this more evident than in La Regia, where frustrated residents have long voiced concerns about the declining state of their local park, bordered by Calle Ortosa, Apatito, and Fluorita. Despite repeated complaints, little has changed, and the area remains an overgrown and neglected shadow of what it once was.
One can only imagine the park’s former beauty, a well-kept retreat where families and neighbours could gather in an environment designed for leisure and relaxation. Today, however, nature has all but reclaimed it. Vines sprawl unchecked over benches, while cracked pavements are choked with weeds pushing through their fractured surfaces.
Adding to the sense of waste is the fate of the many trees planted by the council just a year ago at significant expense. Without proper maintenance, most have withered and died, leaving behind nothing but dry, lifeless husks. This grim sight serves as a metaphor for the park’s overall condition—what should have been a thriving green space has instead become a symbol of neglect.
When Ildo first took over, their arrival was heralded with much fanfare and promises of transformation. Yet as time passes, their presence feels more like an absence. For La Regia residents, the park remains a glaring example of unfulfilled commitments. It is a shame because, with the right care and attention, this park could be a shining beacon for the community—a lush, welcoming space rather than an abandoned wasteland.
For now, the vines continue to creep, the weeds continue to grow, and the park remains an emblem of what happens when promises go unkept and public spaces are left to decay.
The question remains: will action be taken before it is too late, or will the park simply become another forgotten corner of Orihuela Costa?