Parc del Pla de Fornells

Parc del Pla de Fornells is a neighborhood park in the Nou Barris district of Barcelona, set on a slope of the Collserola hills next to the les Roquetes area. It was built in 1991 to a design by architects Pere Llimona Torras and Xavier Ruiz Vallés, and has served as the main green space for this part of the district ever since.

How do you get there?

The park sits at Carrer de Nou Barris 14, in the upper reaches of the district, right against the edge of the Collserola range. This is a genuinely local spot — visitors are mostly residents of the surrounding apartment blocks rather than tourists, so don't expect visitor infrastructure or crowds. The easiest approach is public transport to central Nou Barris, followed by a short uphill walk; the ground has a noticeable incline, so be ready for a bit of a climb.

What will you see there?

The park splits into two clearly distinct zones. The lower section is a paved plaza that once held a hexagonal pond with an aquatic plant on a small central island; the pond has since been covered over, but the plaza's layout survives and still functions as a gathering spot. The upper section feels completely different: open esplanades surfaced with sauló — the compacted sand-and-gravel finish typical of Catalan parks — are used as informal sports courts, with an amphitheater set alongside them. The rest of the park is taken up by a dense stretch of woodland, which makes this upper area feel almost like a slice of the Collserola hillside wedged between residential blocks.

The park and its immediate surroundings host institutions that matter to local life: the CEIP Antaviana primary school and the Ateneu Popular de Nou Barris, a well-known alternative cultural center with its own theater and circus school that runs performances and workshops for the neighborhood. Dog owners will find an off-leash area, and there are table-tennis tables for casual outdoor recreation. The grounds are designed to be accessible for people with reduced mobility, with level paths and gentle grading wherever the terrain allows.

When should you visit?

Daytime is the best time to see the park, when the woodland and landscaping are easiest to appreciate and the sports courts up top are often in use by local teenagers — itself a good window into neighborhood life. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures that make the sloped walk more comfortable. In summer, the tree cover in the upper section offers welcome shade from the sun.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, it's a public municipal park, open at no cost and without the opening-hour restrictions typical of paid attractions.

Can you see performances from the Ateneu Popular de Nou Barris here? Yes — the park adjoins the Ateneu Popular de Nou Barris, whose theater and circus school regularly stages shows and workshops. It's worth checking the local schedule before visiting.

Is the park dog-friendly? Yes, it has a designated off-leash area, which makes it popular with pet owners from the surrounding blocks.

Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, it was designed with accessibility for people with reduced mobility in mind, though the sloped terrain means some sections take more effort to navigate than others.