OTWO Magazine March 2020 | Page 68

Skatepark Málaga “Rubén Alcántara” With the world’s population concentrated in urban areas, many cities are rethinking their urban plan- ning priorities by shifting the focus away from cars to improve their citizens quality of life. The positi- ve environmental impact of less cars on our roads goes without saying but returning our cities to the pedestrian also has a positive effect on our physi- cal health, our mental wellbeing and gives way for more green areas and open spaces for everyone to enjoy. These new methods of urban planning are emphasising the importance of creating cities that are enjoyable and healthy places to live. Gibraltar often seems to be ruled by the car and unfortunately its limited urban topography means that it lacks outdoor space. However, the local go- vernment has laid out plans to create more green areas and parks, as well as developing the Mount complex and the Northern Defences for recreatio- nal purposes. But whilst these plans are still in their early stages, we’ve looked toward Spain to see what other recreational spaces are available within urban areas. 66 OTWO 08 / MARCH 2020 OTWO 08 / MARCH 2020 67