Parc de l’Anita

Parc de l’Anita is a small municipal children’s park in the historic centre of La Massana, at Camí de l’Església 7. The name honours Anna Terrón, known locally as Anita, who maintained the space for many years after it opened in 1989. The Comú’s 2019 bulletin explains that the site had long been called Parc dels Horts de l’Església in formal references, although residents already used the Anita name; the municipality later made that popular name official. The park is a neighbourhood playground, not a ticketed attraction. A major access and streetscape project began nearby in August 2026, so the route to the entrance and temporary conditions should be checked before visiting.

The park’s location gives it a close relationship with the daily life of the old village. It stands along Camí de l’Església, near the parish’s schools and nursery, and is positioned on top of or directly above the local youth centre. This makes it a useful outdoor stop for families already walking through the historic core, but also means it shares space with school routines and other community users. The park is not a large destination green with multiple independent zones; its identity is that of a compact children’s play area embedded in a residential and civic setting. Be considerate at busy school times and keep access routes clear.

The name carries a personal local history rather than a geographic feature. In the Comú’s account, Anna Terrón looked after the space for many years from its opening in 1989. The later decision to recognise her familiar nickname on the park’s official sign turned a daily community reference into a public memorial. That history helps distinguish Parc de l’Anita from similarly named gardens or generic playgrounds: the name refers to a particular local caretaker and to the residents’ longstanding way of identifying the place. The nearby school route is also part of the park’s everyday context, with children walking through the area rather than arriving only for a planned visit.

Municipal records show that the park has required substantial upkeep. In 2023, the Comú approved work to repair water infiltration affecting the youth centre below the playground. The plan involved lifting the rubber surface, waterproofing the underlying area, restoring the play surface and adding a sunshade because summer heat was a concern for younger users. This record indicates that the surface above the building has both playground and building-protection functions. It does not prove that every element remains in its 2023 condition today, so the exact surface, shade provision and equipment should be checked on site rather than assumed from the old project description.

As of late September 2026, construction nearby is especially relevant. The Comú began renovation and beautification work on Camí de l’Església on 27 August, with an expected execution period of 16 weeks. The project aims to improve the connection between Carrer Josep Rossell and Parc de l’Anita by installing an elevator in front of the nursery, alongside new paving, lighting and water-network work. The elevator is intended to help people moving with strollers or who have mobility difficulties. This is a planned improvement to the approach, not confirmation that the full park or every play surface is fully accessible. During construction, barriers, diversions, noise or temporary access limits may affect the route.

For a family walking through La Massana, the park can provide a short break close to shops, public services and the old village lanes. The surroundings are compact, so the playground can be combined with a walk to the church area or with errands in the parish centre. It is not a natural trailhead and offers no documented staffed service, café, equipment hire or visitor desk. The municipal sources identify the space as a children’s park but do not publish a complete current list of play structures, recommended ages, toilet access or opening hours. Families should bring what they need and check the equipment before use.

The terrain and current access works affect who may find the visit straightforward. An elevator connection is being installed to address the route between the lower street and park-side area, but the stated work period runs into the final months of 2026 if it proceeds as planned. Until the works are complete and formally opened, visitors should not assume the elevator is available. The 2023 waterproofing record also indicates that the play surface covers a building roof area, so follow posted instructions and do not move protective surfaces or materials. If step-free access is essential, contact the Comú or check its latest notice before setting out.

There are no verified daily public opening times for Parc de l’Anita. The Comú website lists office hours for its administrative services, but those are not park hours and should not be transferred to the playground. The park is an outdoor public space without a confirmed staffed entrance; practical access depends on local rules and active construction. Daylight is the sensible time for a family visit, particularly while paths are being renewed. Check local signs, keep children away from work areas and avoid entering fenced or closed sections even if the playground itself appears visible from the street.

Parc de l’Anita is a modest place whose value comes from local use, history and proximity to the village centre. Its name commemorates a caretaker who helped maintain it, while its current access is changing through a wider old-town improvement project. Visitors can plan for a short playground pause, but should keep expectations precise: the municipality has not published a current equipment inventory or fixed schedule, and construction may alter the approach. For families with young children, that uncertainty is manageable with a quick local check before arrival. The best visit respects the park as a shared community space and recognises the distinction between the playground, the youth centre beneath it and the streets currently being upgraded around it.