El Parc de la Mitjana

The Parc Municipal de la Mitjana (El Segrià - Spain) is a natural space that can be found at the entrance to the city of Lleida (Spain) which helps to conserve ecosystems that are representative of riverside woodlands in Mediterranean lowlands. Since 1992, the Ajuntament de Lleida (Lleida City Council) has administered and organised the park with the aim of combining the public use of this natural space with the conservation of its ecological treasures.

The 90-hectare surface area has made it possible to structure this space by means of a series of sign-posted paths and facilities for observing and enjoying nature. The organisation of educational activities associated with the natural environment and ecological objectives has also helped to make the Parc de la Mitjana an emblematic reference point for the local population.

The Parc de la Mitjana is equipped with elements designed to make most of its spaces and paths accessible for all types of visitors, regardless of possible disabilities:

• Access to the picnic tables for people in wheel chairs and special sign-posting for the blind and people with impaired sight.
• Reduced slopes in order to facilitate access for people in wheel chairs; the construction of a kerb on the right-hand side of the path to guide people with impaired sight who use walking sticks; the prolongation of the platforms of the bridges and walk ways over the river and their secondary extensions in order to eliminate steps and minimise slopes that otherwise complicate wheelchair access.
• General sign-posting within the park: panels indicating accessible routes and the main points of interest along each path (river, wood, interpretation centre, observation points, etc.) and also signs with explanations in relief and in braille.
• Bird-watching posts specially adapted to help people in wheel chairs observe the local wildlife.