Garitsa Cultural Association: ΄Comments on Garitsa Park Operating Regulations΄

In a statement it released, Garitsa 'Alsos' Cultural Association, refers to the Operating Regulations of the park, while also presenting additional comments and proposals for interventions. This is the statement:

Institutional Framework

The institutional framework is the protection, under the Constitution and the laws, of forested areas within the town plan, parks, and public urban green spaces.

Article 5

• Bicycles and non-electric scooters are allowed.

• (Motorbikes, electric bicycles, and electric scooters are prohibited. There are roads for those.)

Article 6

1(a) The drainage grates must be cleaned at regular intervals.

Article 7

Natural regeneration as a method for renewing plants and trees is not mentioned anywhere.

The first priority should be to support the growth of young saplings and self-sown vegetation (as defined by law), especially in areas where the lawn has been destroyed, as well as to protect the plants that emerge in this way — or some of them — from grass-cutting machines and other factors that destroy them.

The care of the park and each tree individually is the responsibility of the Municipality and the competent services (Forest Service, etc.).

Observation:
We have noticed that some trees have been removed.

We remind you that, according to the relevant legislation, tree removal requires:

• A justification report with specific coordinates to the Forestry Directorate.

• The presence of a Forestry Directorate official during felling and replacement.

Article 8

• Cultural and sports events should be small-scale.
  (The park must not substitute for the cultural facilities that should be developed in the town.)

• The operating hours in residential areas cannot differ from the official quiet hours.

• Signs must be placed clearly stating the operating hours and the consequences of violations.

Article 9

The wording of this article is completely vague and does not ensure effective guarding and supervision.

It must be clearly defined how guarding will be ensured with human resources:

• How many shifts there will be

• The hours during which the Municipality is obliged to guard and supervise

Guarding and supervision of the park should be carried out by municipal employees 24 hours a day, as provided for in the redevelopment management plan.

Article 10

• All planned activities must be small-scale and non-profit (e.g., by associations).

Article 11

Guarding of playgrounds should be done by a guard–municipal employee, who will also be responsible for maintenance and cleanliness.

The police should be called by the guard in the event of a criminal incident.

Article 12

The licence to place tables and chairs should be granted only after the agreement and decision of the Municipality, the competent service of the Ministry of Culture, and the competent service of the Ministry of Environment, regarding the conditions, etc.

In any case, if such use is permitted, the space must be delineated naturally, and the delineation must be strictly respected.

Thoughts – Proposals for the Garitsa–Anemomylos Park

• The length of the two parks along the seafront avenue makes it necessary to construct at least two transverse paths (with signage) connecting the internal road of each park to the seafront avenue.

• At the points where these paths meet the asphalt, pedestrian crossings with appropriate signage should be marked.

• At the starting points of the transverse paths (M. Athanasiou and Alkiviadou Darri), steps should be built and the space kept free of tables and chairs.

• The retaining wall of the Garitsa Park on Mitropolitou Athanasiou Street, where it is damaged, should be rebuilt.

• The pavement on Mitropolitou Athanasiou Street, next to the park, is worn in many places and needs repair.

• We propose the construction of a wooden kiosk to be used by the Association and the guard.

  • In the kiosk, the Association will be able to receive comments from the public and forward them to the responsible Deputy Mayor.

• The rents from the businesses, if and when leasing is permitted, should be deposited in a special bank account and invested exclusively in the Garitsa–Anemomylos Park.

• Slogans and graffiti should be removed from buildings immediately.

• Cleaning staff should be present in the public toilets.

For the Board of Directors

The President
Alexandros Vergis

VASSILIS PANTAZOPOULOS

Photo: Central Corfu and Diapotia Islands Municipality