Barcelona City Council is exploring a plan to convert inactive vehicle access points, known as vados, in the Eixample district into new tree planting sites. This initiative follows a proposal from the Dreta de l'Eixample Residents' Association, aiming to expand urban green spaces.

The proposal forms part of a wider city effort to increase green infrastructure across Barcelona. Expanding green areas offers a key strategy to address climate change. The City Council plans to plant 11,000 trees between 2023 and 2026. This includes 7,500 trees to replace those lost during recent drought water restrictions, with 500 replacements still needed.

Mònica Julià, a member of the Dreta de l'Eixample Residents' Association, explained the group's motivation. She stated, "We have detected non-operative vados; our proposal is to put tree pits there again and plant trees." Ms Julià highlighted the "importance of caring for green spaces" in the Eixample, a district home to approximately 260,000 residents.

Identifying Disused Vehicle Access Points

The residents' association submitted a list of 32 allegedly inactive vados to the City Council several months ago. Xavier Olivé, another member of the Dreta de l'Eixample Residents' Association, helped compile this list. He noted that the inventory, created about a year ago, is not exhaustive.

Mr Olivé observed many of these vados have been unused for years. He recalled, "There were quite a few large textile warehouses, with access for vans to leave." He added, "The companies closed, but the vehicle access remained." The absence of a permanent vehicle access sign and gaps between street trees often indicate a former vado site.

The association's count identified six allegedly inactive vados on Bailèn street. They found five on Rosselló, four on Bruc and Roger de Llúria, and three on Còrsega and Pau Claris. Additionally, two were listed on Casp, Diputació, Nàpols, and Roger de Flor. Mr Olivé pointed out, "Some are very evident."

One location where the association requests new trees is outside Diputació 323. Here, two ramps remain on the pavement kerb from non-existent vehicle exits. A similar situation exists at Bailèn 33. The lack of vegetation in these spots often encourages motorcycle parking.

City's Response and Greening Strategy

The Eixample district office is currently reviewing the inventory. They aim to confirm which vados no longer pay the corresponding fee and have ceased active vehicle access. Once this verification is complete, the district will decide which vados to remove.

The district will then create the necessary openings in the pavement for tree pits. The City Council confirmed, "As the Eixample district confirms the opening of new tree pits, they will forward the information to Parks and Gardens to schedule planting." This ensures a coordinated approach to urban greening.

The City Council states an "operative agreement exists between the districts and Parks and Gardens for the recovery of tree pits." While tree replacement does not happen automatically when vado fees stop, districts prepare the pavement. Parks and Gardens then plans and incorporates the planting into its annual tree campaign.

Future Plans for Eixample Green Spaces

Mònica Julià noted significant tree planting has occurred on major thoroughfares like Aragó, Gran Via, and Rambla de Catalunya. However, she also observed, "there are still empty tree pits and stumps to remove." This suggests ongoing work is needed to fully green these areas.

The Dreta de l'Eixample Residents' Association awaits the district's conclusions regarding the removal of old vados. Mr Olivé expressed some impatience, stating, "They say they will fix them but, of the cases I monitor, they have not yet been suppressed." However, Ms Julià sees "good predisposition" for replanting efforts in the Eixample.

Separately, Mayor Jaume Collboni promised to refurbish 30 interior courtyards within the Eixample district during his 2023 election campaign. Last summer, 21 of these courtyards were under study. The City Council committed in late March to announce updates on these plans within a couple of months.

This initiative represents a step towards a greener, more sustainable Barcelona. It addresses both climate change adaptation and residents' quality of life. The collaboration between local associations and the City Council remains key to expanding the city's vital green infrastructure.

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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.