Natural Wealth – Environment
The park’s natural wealth began to develop in the late 19th century, when Queen Amalia initiated efforts to create a model centre for agriculture and animal farming. Thousands of fruit trees were planted on the estate at the time, along with an abundance of pistachio trees, vineyards, olive trees and rare ornamental plant varieties imported from abroad.
Today, the park’s flora includes 389 species, of which 311 are native.
With its six artificial lakes and a man-made canal connecting them, the park’s essential character is highly influenced by the presence of water, making it a unique site of natural beauty and a distinctive ecosystem. According to studies by the Hellenic Ornithological Society, 198 bird species (out of the 456 found across the country) live and reproduce within the park — a remarkable number given the park’s urban location. One of the most notable species present is the kingfisher (Alcedo atthis-Alkyoni).

Activities
The park supports a wide range of activities including hiking, running, cycling, horseback riding (in the past), birdwatching and picnics among others. It attracts a large number of visitors, especially at weekends, when on average an estimated 15,000 people visit the park, most whom are residents of the neighboring areas.
Several non-profit organizations are also active in the park, primarily focused on environmental issues. Social Cooperative Enterprises involving vulnerable groups also implement environmental awareness programs and offer experiential education.

Current Situation – Proposed Situation
The outdoor infrastructure is in relatively good condition (though aging and in some places vandalized), as is the park’s flora.
The condition of the buildings is mixed — some facilities are well-maintained, while others are not — requiring careful recording and assessment of needs.

The Antonis Tritsis Metropolitan Park has a reasonably strong online presence through its official website — though this could certainly be enhanced, enriched and modernized — with a thematic focus on environmental and educational activities. However, this thematic aspect is not sufficiently supported by the existing park infrastructure, nor is it effectively promoted to strengthen the park’s identity.
In this context, the park aims to enhance its thematic focus and distinctive identity — without excluding its other aspects such as history, culture, sports, and recreation — as part of a broader framework promoting urban parks under the Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) – Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) Strategy. This initiative envisions the unified promotion of these parks under an integral identity as part of a “Network of Metropolitan Green Areas”.

The Planned Projects:
• Creation of vegetable and botanical gardens
• Development of a space for concerts and cultural events
• Upgrading of the existing theatre
• Design and installation of children’s playgrounds
• Upgrading the energy efficiency of existing buildings
• Construction of outdoor/indoor installations for digital nomads and workspaces for meetings & events
• Enhancement of vegetation through tree planting and low vegetation
• Creation of an open-air cinema
• Installation of fire detection sensors and security cameras
• Development of recreation and sports areas
• Upgrading water amenities
• Introduction of small-scale recycling units and renewable energy installations
• Construction of a wooden canteen
• Development of open air exhibition spaces
• Creation of designated open areas for cultural activities
• Installation of a trampoline area
• Construction of an outdoor gym
• Development of football, basketball and beach volley courts
• Creation of parkour courses and climbing trails
• Establishing remote management infrastructure for LED lighting
• Wastewater Treatment Plan for irrigation