Today is precisely ten years that the quality of life in Vila Nova de Famalicão met a new stage, with the inauguration of the much-desired Devesa Park. The largest green space in the county marks this Wednesday, September 28, the passage of the first decade and the City Council will evoke the date with an exhibition that illustrates how over the years the Devesa has become much more than a park.
"Devesa 10. Much more than a park", is the name of the photo exhibition that opens this Wednesday at 17h00, and will be open in the Casa do Território until the end of January, with free admission.
"The Devesa has far exceeded its initial purpose to be a green urban park, becoming an extension of everyday life of famalicenses", says the mayor, Mario Passos, who sees the construction of the Devesa "as one of the largest public works ever in the municipality".
In addition to the exhibition, which aims to demonstrate the close connection of this equipment to the community and how the famalicenses have taken ownership of the park, individually or collectively, the first ten years of life of the Devesa will also be celebrated with a vast program of activities scheduled for 5, 8 and 9 October, with guided tours, physical exercise, among others.
Highlights include a morning dedicated to sport, with zumba and yoga classes, an EcoMercadinho and a picnic in the park on 5 October. On the 8th, there will be an awareness-raising event called "Cigarette butts in the ground? No!", at 10h00, and the conference "Castreja Culture and the Experience of the Sacred", at 15h00. On the 5th, at 16h00, and on the 9th, at 21h30, there will be guided tours of the park. The programme for the last day, 9 October, also includes a concert by Terra Batida, at 18h00, in the park's amphitheatre.
With 27 hectares, it should be noted that the Devesa Park is a privileged place of contact with nature, leisure, socializing and sports, setting up as a vehicle for excellence in environmental education and sustainability, and as a cultural asset, civic and ethical, proposing to contribute to the full growth of citizens in respect for people, nature and future generations.
Raising awareness for the protection of natural resources, through the promotion of activities that foster the increase of biodiversity, the change of attitudes and behaviours, and that disseminate good environmental practices, is one of the essential components of the park's mission.