With this picnic area, we are giving the public yet another place to relax among 4,000 trees.

The first phase of the Bengħajsa project offers a picnic area the size of two football pitches. This park is the third green space opened this year by the Environment Ministry, after the Dog Park at Ta’ Qali and the extension of San Klement Park in Żabbar.

The announcement was made during a visit to the park by Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Project Green Chief Executive Steve Ellul.

It was explained that the picnic area is equipped with benches made from sustainable materials. Along the pathway, information boards have been installed describing the different types of trees and shrubs in the park and their characteristics. Obstacle-game structures have also been installed for children’s enjoyment. Project Green will be responsible for the park’s upkeep.

A total of around 4,000 trees have been planted by various entities, including Infrastructure Malta and Ambjent Malta. Some 1,800 of these were planted through an initiative with Puttinu Cares, whereby every public donation of €300 or more for Puttinu results in a tree or shrub being planted.

“The investments we are making in Malta’s south are bearing fruit, and today it is satisfying to open Ġnien Bengħajsa to the public, in an area once considered for a landfill or as an extension to a commercial project. Instead, the residents of Birżebbuġa will enjoy one of the largest parks in southern Malta. I also encourage the public to come and enjoy this green space,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.

Minister Dalli welcomed the agreement signed with the Malta Girl Guides for them to have their own space in the park for their activities.

Chief Executive Steve Ellul explained that Project Green is adapting open spaces for the community, with the aim that they be enjoyed by everyone, including wheelchair users. Picnic benches have therefore been adapted so that people using wheelchairs also have room at the table.

He stressed that the agreement signed with the Malta Girl Guides—who work primarily with children and young people—will further assist the organisation in its activities so that children have a safe space in which to learn. “These are the results of working with the community: we listened, and now we are implementing,” Mr Ellul said.

Opening hours for Ġnien Bengħajsa are from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. between April and September, and from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. between October and March.