Parque Lineal

Parque Lineal is a modern municipal park in Rivas-Vaciamadrid, a town on the south-eastern edge of the Madrid metropolitan area. It was built over what used to be an urban divide — a metro line cutting through the town — and today it works as a green link stitching together the Centro and Oeste neighborhoods. Spread across roughly 85,000 m², the park is organized into recreational, sports, and educational zones aimed at families, seniors, and anyone looking for outdoor activity close to the Spanish capital.

How did this park come about?

The project traces back to an urban design competition launched by the Rivas-Vaciamadrid town council in 2019. After public exhibitions of the finalist proposals in 2020, the council approved the final scheme in early 2021. The core idea was to cover more than a kilometer of exposed metro track and turn that strip of land into a shared green space — transforming a physical barrier between two parts of town into a connector.

What is there to do in Parque Lineal?

The park is split into several functional areas: a zone for youth sports, a water-play area, a children's playground that includes a maze, an educational section, and a dedicated area for older visitors. Walking paths and separate cycling lanes run through the whole site, and dogs are welcome on both. A small stream feeding into a modest lagoon adds a natural touch to what is otherwise a fairly urban stretch of land.

What about the lookout tower?

The park's most recognizable landmark is a steel lookout tower, the Torre Mirador, built around a central mast with a spiral staircase winding up to a circular viewing platform set at 18.5 meters, while the structure itself reaches 23 meters in total height. The tower stands where Parque Lineal meets the neighboring Parque del Encuentro, just outside the section that directly covers the metro line, and serves as a handy reference point for anyone walking the park.

Who is this park for?

Because of its zoned layout, Parque Lineal draws a mix of visitors: families with young children heading for the playground, teenagers using the sports areas, cyclists riding the dedicated lanes, and older residents looking for a quieter corner to sit. It works equally well as a short afternoon stop or as part of a longer walk connecting different parts of Rivas-Vaciamadrid, and it functions first and foremost as everyday green space for locals rather than a purely touristic attraction.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Parque Lineal?

The park covers roughly 85,000 m² and runs along a stretch of what used to be an exposed metro line through Rivas-Vaciamadrid.

What neighborhoods does the park connect?

It links the Centro and Oeste districts of Rivas-Vaciamadrid, previously separated by the railway/metro line now covered by the park.

Is there a viewpoint tower?

Yes — the steel Torre Mirador has a circular viewing platform at 18.5 meters and a total height of 23 meters, located at the boundary with Parque del Encuentro.

Is the park suitable for children?

Yes, it includes a playground with a maze and a dedicated water-play area for younger visitors.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, the walking and cycling paths throughout the park are open to visitors with dogs.

Where exactly is the park located?

It's in the town of Rivas-Vaciamadrid, on the south-eastern outskirts of the Madrid metropolitan area, next to the local metro line.