Over the years, and before falling into state of relative decline, the park evolved from a green area with monuments and points of interest into a vibrant hub for recreation, strolls and light physical activity. It quickly became a vibrant gathering place for Athenian society, hosting theatrical performances and cultural events that attracted visitors from all over the city, increasing its significance and reach. In many ways, Pedion Areos evolved from quite early on in its existence into a true Metropolitan Park.

Protomagia Square is located on the eastern side of the park and was designed in the 1980s as a result of the decision to construct a local street underpass. The square remains limited in the use of its open space, containing a refreshment kiosk, a modest skateboarding area, a small open-air theatre and minimal vegetation due to the underpass and parking area beneath it.

Finopoulos Hill, located at the eastern end of the park in a densely populated area of Athens, is a small green area that offers excellent views of the city and several footpaths whose gradients offer the opportunity for mild physical exercise..
Current Situation – Proposed Situation

Over the last four years, Pedion Areos appears to have been emerging from a prolonged period of deterioration, most notable between 2001 and the mid-2010s. This led to a widespread perception of neglect, particularly among residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, and significant damage to its previously prestigious reputation.

Since the second half of 2018, a recovery effort has been making strides to restore the park to its former glory. Alongside the return of the park’s traditional functions, positive initiatives are underway to improve safety, cleanliness and levels of maintenance.
A key goal remains the restoration of the connection between the park and the residents of Athens, as well as the enhancement of its character as a safe area for walking, recreation, as well as a venue for Metropolitan-level cultural activities with broader impact.

To sum up, the spatial unit formed by Pedion Areos, Protomagias Square and Finopoulos Hill has a social and multicultural identity. It serves as an urban green destination that offers opportunities for leisure and mild physical exercise to the surrounding population. At the same time, it is evolving into a metropolitan point of attraction in the center of Athens through the revival of cultural events and performances, coupled with the reopening of historic food and beverage venues within the city.

Pedion Areos together with Protomagia Square and Finopoulos Hill represent an integral proposal for green space, recreation, leisureand culture on a metropolitan scale. It is important to specify a strong thematic identity and to establish a communication strategy in order to participate in a broader framework for the joint promotion of parks under the Integrated Territorial Investment – Sustainable Urban Development (ITI-SUD) strategy. This would support the presentation of a unified identity for these spaces as part of the “Network of Metropolitan Green Areas.”.

The Planned Projects are:

• New planting initiatives
• Installation of a system for the recovery and reuse of wastewater for irrigation
• Portable composting unit for green waste
• Restoration of irrigation system operation utilizing wells and remote control operation
• Restoration of water elements
• Reconstruction of the two (2) existing playgrounds and creation of an adult sports area
• Addition of new seats, waste bins and wooden signboards
• Installation of new signage and information boards for paths – trails & access for people with disabilities
• Energy efficiency upgrade of existing buildings and other facilities
• Reopening of the plant nursery and its surrounding area
• Creation of a botanical garden & small park for wildlife
• Renovation of the Rose Garden & pergola
• Installation of a new LED lighting network
• Upgrade of the existing fire-fighting protocol, fire detection sensors and security cameras