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24/03/2026
A wicker pergola transforms the children’s playground of the Port of l’Estartit into a climate shelter and a community well‑being space
The children’s playground in 1 October Square in l’Estartit has had, since October 2025, a wicker pergola that exemplifies how nature‑based solutions can respond to the challenges of climate change and, at the same time, improve comfort and public health. The initiative, promoted by the EMD of l’Estartit and the GALP Costa Brava, has been carried out with the financial support of the LIFE eCOadapt50 programme and revives a proposal that emerged from participatory budgeting.

The pergola at the Port of l’Estartit. Author: Life eCOadapt50

Alba Delgado and Sabina Plaja in the shade of the pergola. Author: Life eCOadapt50

The structure, conceived as an outdoor climate shelter for children and families, provides natural shade and ventilation to reduce the impact of high temperatures and minimise the risks associated with heatwaves, which are increasingly frequent in the Mediterranean.

Design inspired by nature and the marine environment

The pergola was created by Tramats, the basket‑making workshop from Torroella de Montgrí run by Josep Mercader and Magda Martínez, artisans specialised in traditional techniques using local plant materials. The design combines a metal frame with a hand‑woven wicker (Salix fragilis) structure braided organically. The result evokes the spine of a fish, a traditional boat, or even a wave, referencing l’Estartit’s maritime identity. The shade it casts—dynamic and changing throughout the day—resembles that of a grove of trees, blending harmoniously into the space.

Beyond aesthetics, wicker provides wind resistance and breathability: it allows air to pass through and avoids the tearing that other solutions (such as awnings) may suffer, thus combining sun protection and natural cooling. The geometric design has been adapted to the park’s dimensions and to the trajectory of the sun’s rays throughout the year to maximise shade during the hottest months.

Health, well‑being and climate resilience

The shade provided improves thermal comfort, reduces exposure to UV radiation, and encourages the safe and healthy use of public space by families, children, and older people. The EMD of l’Estartit highlights that this is the first outdoor climate shelter in the municipality and that it complements the shelters in indoor spaces (such as the seniors’ centre or the library). In the short term, the council will study new locations to expand the network of shade and comfort in open spaces.

“The pergola is our first outdoor climate shelter in l’Estartit, and we are clear that it is a very important element for the tourism sector, due to the network of climate shelters we want to continue creating, especially considering that the climate crisis —with more frequent and intense heatwaves— affects above all the most vulnerable groups, such as children and older people,” says Alba Delgado, vice‑president of the EMD l’Estartit.

Cost, maintenance and collaboration

The total cost of the intervention has been approximately €30,000. The construction of the structure by Tramats was 100% financed by LIFE eCOadapt50, while the civil works were covered by the EMD of l’Estartit. Regarding maintenance, wicker does not require watering and allows localised repairs if needed (re‑weaving), with an estimated lifespan of around 10 years.

Evaluation and next steps

As the installation is recent, the EMD will define, together with the tourism department, an evaluation system (indicators of use, perception and comfort) and the communication of this additional service to residents and visitors. At the same time, expressions of interest have already been received from associations, and internal requests have been registered to replicate similar structures in other squares and parks in l’Estartit.

 

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