He unique playground that Manzanares el Real has ceases to be of public useThe reason is that its owner, the Duchess of Infantado, Almudena de Arteaga, has claimed its ownership after the end of the transfer that his father made, 50 years agoto the City Council.
After several years of litigation, a court has ruled in their favour and, therefore, workers are dismantling the park. “A protected area where no construction is allowed,” says a neighbour, where “there are very old trees and even stork nests,” she adds. The neighbours demand that the cession continue or that a rental agreement be introduced to suit the City Council.
Years of litigation over the park
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The mayor, José Luis Labrador, says that they have been trying to reach an economic agreement for years, but that it is impossible for them to pay the 7,000 euros per month that the duchess is asking for. He explains to RTVE that this park has had two parallel legal processes. On the one hand, the one filed by the familyby evictionbecause they understood that it was being illegally occupiedand on the other hand, that of consistory, due to urgent forced expropriation for the sake of the general interest.
It is a natural space of approximately 3.000 m2 with trees, a picnic area and a fountaincurrently valued at €1,200,000
Where will they put the swings now?
No agreement, for now the alternative that the Consistory has found is move children’s games to a parking lotThe Duchess also has another open process against the Community of Madrid, in this case, to also recover the Mendoza Castlea symbol for the town, which has been open to visitors until now. The contract for its use and public management ends on 5 January.
Manzanares el Real castle
Discover the Hidden Gem of Manzanares el Real: A Unique Playground Amidst Litigation
Located in the heart of Spain, Manzanares el Real is a stunning village that boasts breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and a unique playground that has recently made headlines. However, the fate of this playground hangs in the balance, as its owner, the Duchess of Infantado, Almudena de Arteaga, has claimed its ownership after 50 years of public use [[1]]. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Manzanares el Real, its natural attractions, and the ongoing litigation surrounding the beloved playground.
A Village Rich in History and Natural Beauty
Manzanares el Real is nestled in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, offering a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life [[3]]. The village is surrounded by majestic mountains, forests, and a reservoir, making it a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors can explore the village’s stunning castle, which dates back to the 15th century and is a testament to the region’s rich history [[1]].
The Unique Playground at the Center of Controversy
The playground in question has been a beloved gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil oasis in the midst of nature. However, after 50 years of public use, the duchess has claimed ownership of the land, citing the end of the transfer made by her father to the City Council [[1]]. The court has ruled in her favor, and workers have begun dismantling the park, leaving neighbors and visitors dismayed.
Years of Litigation
The mayor, José Luis Labrador, has been trying to reach an economic agreement with the duchess for years, but her demand for 7,000 euros per month has proven to be a stumbling block [[1]]. The court case has been ongoing for several years, with two parallel legal processes: one filed by the family for eviction due to illegal occupation and another for urgent forced expropriation in the public interest [[1]].
A Protected Area of Natural Beauty
The affected park is a protected area where construction is prohibited, and neighbors are fighting to preserve its natural beauty. The area is home to ancient trees and even stork nests, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts [[1]]. Neighbors are urging the City Council to find a solution, such as a rental agreement, to ensure the park remains accessible to the public.
Plan Your Visit to Manzanares el Real
Despite the ongoing litigation, Manzanares el Real remains a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore the village’s castle, take guided tours [[2]], and enjoy the stunning natural surroundings of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park [[3]]. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Manzanares el Real has something to offer.
Conclusion
Manzanares el Real is a hidden gem that boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and adventure. While the fate of its beloved playground hangs in the balance, visitors can still experience the village’s magic. Join us in exploring this stunning destination and learning more about its fascinating history and natural attractions.
References:
Manzanares el Real castle
Discover the Hidden Gem of Manzanares el Real: A Unique Playground Amidst Litigation
Located in the heart of Spain, Manzanares el Real is a town steeped in history and natural beauty. However, a recent development has cast a shadow over this charming town, as a unique playground, once a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, has ceased to be of public use. The reason behind this sudden change is the claim of ownership by the Duchess of Infantado, Almudena de Arteaga, after the end of the transfer that her father made 50 years ago to the City Council [[1]].
Years of Litigation Over the Park
The dispute over the playground has been ongoing for several years, with the Duchess filing a lawsuit against the City Council to regain control of the property [[2]]. After a lengthy legal battle, a court has finally ruled in favor of the Duchess, leading to the dismantling of the park. Neighbors are devastated, as this natural space of approximately 3,000 square meters, complete with trees, a picnic area, and a fountain, was a treasured spot for recreation and relaxation [[3]].
Where Will They Put the Swings Now?
The fate of the playground’s equipment is now uncertain, as the City Council scrambles to find an alternative solution. According to the mayor, José Luis Labrador, the Consistory has been trying to reach an economic agreement with the Duchess for years, but the 7,000 euros per month she is asking for is deemed too high [[2]]. As a temporary measure, the City Council has proposed moving the children’s games to a parking lot, a far cry from the natural beauty of the original playground.
Manzanares el Real Castle: A Symbol of the Town
Manzanares el Real Castle, also known as the New Castle of the Mendoza family, is another significant landmark in the town that is embroiled in litigation [[2]]. The Duchess of Infantado has also filed a lawsuit against the Community of Madrid to recover the Mendoza Castle, which has been open to visitors until now. The contract for its use and public management is set to end on 5 January, casting uncertainty over the castle’s future.
A Rich History and Cultural Heritage
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Manzanares el Real remains a town with a rich history and cultural heritage. The origins of the town date back to prehistoric times, with settlements of peoples who took advantage of its wealth and resources [[3]]. The town is also home to the Marquis of Santillana and Count of Real de Manzanares [[1]].
Conclusion
As the people of Manzanares el Real navigate the complexities of litigation and ownership disputes, they are also fighting to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their town. The unique playground, once a symbol of joy and recreation, is now a symbol of the town’s resilience and determination to protect its history and traditions.
