Renovation of children’s playgrounds in Barcelona: a comprehensive plan for the future

Barcelona is experiencing a true renaissance in its children’s playgrounds. This November, major renovation works have been completed in 30 of them, located in eight districts of the city. The renovation not only involves the installation of new and modern play elements, but also an improvement in the routes and organization of the spaces.

A commitment to accessibility and comfort

Barcelona City Council has taken seriously the challenge of transforming playgrounds into more inclusive and accessible spaces. One of the key points in these renovations is precisely accessibility, ensuring that all children, regardless of their physical situation, can enjoy the games. For this reason, accessibility criteria have been incorporated so that children with disabilities or functional diversity have the same possibilities for fun.

It’s not just a matter of having attractive equipment; the environment itself has been transformed. Pavements have been renewed, furniture has been added and areas have been organized so that there are both quiet and dynamic play areas. And we cannot forget one of the most valued additions: the shaded areas, crucial for adapting to the Barcelona climate.

rehabilitation and improvement of 30 children's play areas within the framework of the Plan Direccion

Million-dollar investment for child welfare

This project is part of the Integral Maintenance Plan (PMI) under the Endreça Plan, which seeks to consolidate a new model of children’s play area in the city. So far, between 2024 and 2025, more than €2 million has been invested to redo these areas and there are already plans to spend more than €11 million across the city.

The renovation is already in the pipeline for 2026, with the tendering of works for 24 new areas that are ready to be upgraded. This is all part of an ambitious goal: for Barcelona to not only have play areas, but to be a child-friendly place adapted to the needs of children, where play and physical activity flourish naturally.

A playable city for everyone

Barcelona is committed to becoming a playable city, where children have endless opportunities to play and exercise. This is a vision that not only benefits children and adolescents, but is also committed to better health and community life for all its inhabitants.

The project seeks to improve and diversify play opportunities in the public space using three essential elements: shade, vegetation and attractive games. Higher quality, inclusive playgrounds that respond to the specific needs of their young users are only part of the objective.

A journey to 2030

The plan analyzes play in public space with a view to the year 2030. It aims to bring the city to a standard where play spaces reflect and respect the diversity and needs of the community. It is a comprehensive commitment not only to the physical space, but also to optimizing the management and maintenance of these places, ensuring their long-term quality.

The improvements continue and, with them, the city moves closer to becoming an icon of an integrated city of leisure and play for children. For a future full of vitality, Barcelona is committed to play spaces where it doesn’t matter your physical or mental ability; the important thing is that everyone can enjoy and learn.

In short, Barcelona is sweeping with initiatives that place children at the center of its urban planning. Between works already completed and projects just beginning, it’s clear that the city is committed to being a place where play, accessibility and inclusion are the norm. The future is bright and full of play.