On Monday night, small, roaming groups of “acquaintances – strangers” attempted to turn Drakopoulos park into ‘Ano Patisia’ into a battlefield, who harassed with abusive slogans and threats the hundreds of residents of the neighborhood who responded to the invitation of the Municipality of Athens for a open public information and consultation regarding the redevelopment works taking place on the site.

The intention of the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis, was to present himself the plans for the green regeneration of another valuable free, public space in Patisia.

According to a relevant announcement from the Municipality, the group of “acquaintances-strangers” roaming from Exarchia to Platonos Academy thugged and harassed the residents of the neighborhood with vulgar slogans, threatened grandparents, terrorized children.

Two Deputy Mayors who tried to calm the spirits by asking to allow the rudimentary democratic dialogue to take place, were violently beaten.

Earlier, members of the same group cut three times the cables of the microphone that had been set up, in order to prevent the Mayor from speaking to the residents.

Mr. Bakoyiannis arrived normally for his meeting with the residents and managed, in the end, to address those who had gathered, assuring them that the park will be built, while the answer he received was “not to be afraid and not to back down”.

“We are not doing anything different here than in Fix Park and in Cyprus and Patision Park. We are talking about green regeneration, with respect for the neighborhood and the residents. This park will unite us all: Both those who stand on this side and those who stand on the other side. It is important that the project will be done and will stay”, said the Mayor of Athens, to the applause of the residents.

After the signing of the contract with the Hellenic Red Cross concerning the concession of the park to the Municipality of Athens, the municipal authority of Bakoyannis managed to put an end to yet another year-long pending matter concerning an important green area of ​​the city, – a park, which was fully abandoned in one of the densest neighborhoods of Athens.

Immediately after the signing, the municipal services prepared a comprehensive study for the restoration of the infrastructure, care and strengthening of the greenery, giving – a few days ago – the “green light” for the execution of the works.

However, the groups of people who are opposed to the project and have imposed an idiosyncratic occupation on the site, obstructed the work from the first moment, intimidating and threatening the workers.

After the completion of the municipality’s works, Drakopoulos Park will be reopened as a green public space, approximately 4.5 hectares, in which 7,603 new plants will have been planted. For safety reasons, three trees that could not be saved are being removed from the site, while eight new ones will be planted in their place. According to the design, the existing bushes are preserved and strengthened. With the aim of rational irrigation management, a fully automated watering system was installed.

A new playground with a total area of ​​370 sq.m. is being created in the park. which meets all modern safety standards.

No cement is placed anywhere, as the central path of the park is paved with cobblestone, while the walkable areas are paved with pressed mosaics, environmentally friendly materials. Existing stone walls are converted into seating areas, existing benches are maintained and new ones are installed so that more visitors can rest and relax in the park. The historic fountain, the pergola and the theater stage that exist in the park are preserved and highlighted.

Also, the lighting is being upgraded with modern LED lamps, in order to enhance the sense of security in the space and at the same time ensure the lowest possible energy consumption. Finally, an area with exercise equipment with an anti-vibration floor is being created in the park”, the announcement of the Municipality of Athens states.