Parc de la Riera de Canyadó

Parc de la Riera de Canyadó is a linear urban park in Badalona, Catalonia, stretching along the former bed of the Canyadó stream between the B-20 and N-II roads. It borders the neighborhoods of Canyadó, Casagemes, Les Guixeres, Pomar and Morera, forming a natural pedestrian link between them. The park opened in 2000, created to reclaim a stretch of land that had spent decades as a neglected, marginal strip on the edge of the city.

How do you get there?

The park sits in the middle of Badalona, roughly a fifteen-minute walk from the town centre and from stations on the Renfe R1 line. The easiest options are local buses serving the Canyadó and Casagemes districts, or simply walking along the avenues that trace the old streambed. Drivers can find street parking nearby, though spots get tighter during peak hours — a train from Barcelona, taking about 20–25 minutes, is often the more convenient route.

What will you see?

Covering roughly 2 hectares, the park follows the classic layout of a linear park: a narrow green corridor tracing the old watercourse, stitching several neighborhoods together into one continuous strip of greenery. Where a road bridge crosses the site, the park splits into two clearly distinct sectors, each with its own planting style and character. The design is the work of landscape architect Isabel Bennassar, whose scheme won international recognition — second prize at the AiA Continental Europe International Design Awards in 2000, and the 2nd European Rosa Barba Landscape Prize in 2002. The park also extends into a larger green network, connecting with the neighboring Can Solei-Ca l'Arnús park to form one of the longest continuous green corridors in the city. In recent years an inclusive children's playground was added, designed to accommodate kids with disabilities, making the site notably more family-friendly.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when temperatures are mild and the greenery along the old riverbed looks its best. In summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon, since parts of the paths lack heavy shade during the hottest hours. The park suits a quiet walk, a jog, or a family break at the new playground — it isn't a full-day attraction, more a pleasant stop while exploring Badalona's northern neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, it's an open public urban space, accessible around the clock at no cost.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes, it includes an inclusive playground designed for children with a range of needs, and the wide, flat paths make it easy to walk with a stroller.

What did the park win awards for? Architect Isabel Bennassar's design was recognized for turning a degraded streambed into a coherent, functional public space — it received second prize at the 2000 AiA Continental Europe International Design Awards and the 2nd European Rosa Barba Landscape Prize in 2002.

Does the park connect to other green spaces in Badalona? Yes, it extends into the adjoining Can Solei-Ca l'Arnús park, together forming a longer green corridor that runs through several of the city's neighborhoods.