Parc de Benarrai

Parc de Benarrai is a municipal park on the southern edge of Ontinyent, a town in the Valencia province of Spain. The area, known as Almaig — an Arabic-derived name referring to marshy, waterlogged ground — was for decades a neglected, peripheral part of town plagued by drainage problems. Starting in 2012, the local council carried out a major regeneration project here, turning what had been swampy, run-down land into one of the town's most heavily used public spaces.

How do you get there?

The park sits on Ontinyent's southern side, directly adjoining the Llombo park, with which it forms a continuous stretch of green and sports areas. Ontinyent lies inland in Valencia province, well connected by road to both Valencia and Alicante. The easiest way in is by car or on foot from the town centre — a walk along the Passeig de Benarrai promenade forms part of the approach.

What will you see?

At the heart of the park is an artificial lake planted with native Mediterranean species, which draws local wildlife to its banks. Beside the water stands an organic pergola built almost entirely from common reed (Arundo donax) — a structure measuring 4 by 13 metres and standing between 2.8 and 4.15 metres tall, made up of three barrel-vaulted modules. It was commissioned in 2015 by the town's environmental department, with the first phase built as part of a bio-construction course; the design came from Marc Fuster, Josu Millet and Lluís Contreras, with structural calculations by Xavier Alberola. Oriented east-west, the pergola shades roughly 50 square metres, and its curved form draws the eye toward a central geodesic dome that doubles as a stage for concerts and festivals.

The rest of the park includes a fenced-off area for dogs, a children's play zone with a pumptrack and a zip line around 25 metres long, an outdoor gym, a picnic area, and a multi-sports court. The grounds are lit at night and fitted with additional sports equipment, and parking nearby has been reorganised to serve visitors. Because the area has a history of flooding, large anti-flood pipes have also been installed beneath the park and surrounding streets to protect the neighbourhood from heavy rainfall.

When should you visit?

The park is open year-round, but spring and autumn bring the most activity, when mild temperatures make it ideal for walking and outdoor sport. These are also the seasons when the town most often schedules events here, including sessions for the "Majors Actius" active-ageing programme, which can draw several hundred participants for exercise classes and wellness workshops. In the warmer months, the amphitheatre-like dome frequently hosts concerts and local festivals, so it's worth checking the town's events calendar before a visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is there anything for children? Yes — a play area, a pumptrack track and a roughly 25-metre zip line are all aimed squarely at younger visitors.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, the park has a dedicated fenced area set aside for dogs.

What is the dome-shaped structure? It's a geodesic dome used as a stage, linked to the reed-built organic pergola beside it — together they form the park's venue for concerts and open-air events.

Does the park host events? Yes, it regularly hosts municipal events, including active-ageing days for older residents as well as concerts and festivals staged around the central dome.