Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino opened a recreational area at the Ta’ Qali National Park yesterday.

This area, which is an extension of the park, covers approximately 14,000 square metres, split on two levels.

Mr Pullicino said at least 1.2 kilometres of low rubble walls have been constructed for the landscaping of the recreation area, which has an EU theme.

A concrete platform, with a diameter of 13.5 metres, has been built, the minister added, and features the European Union flag. The timber gazebo at its centre includes permanent interpretation panels that illustrate the national tree of each member state.

The minister said that some 650 indigenous trees and 152 shrubs have been planted in the area. The trees planted include cypress, arar, pomegranate, Aleppo pine, almond, carob and bay laurel.

Mr Pullicino said the lower part of the recreation area was in a derelict state and the infilling of approximately 19,000 cubic metres of crushed building material was necessary to rehabilitate the area. This was then covered with 1,490 tonnes of sieved soil transported from Maghtab and Salini.

An iron structure which has been erected in this recreational area was done by Charles Sammut.

The structure, named “The Ring Figure”, is 5.4 metres high and symbolises man who goes into the future confidently, striving to reach the top.

Minister Pullicino said the renovation of the recreational area “is part of government’s policy and commitment to increase and develop open spaces for the Maltese to enjoy. This year alone, the ministry plans to plant over 11,000 trees in identified sites at Xrobb l-Ghagin, the National Park in Ta’ Qali, Salini and Mellieha.”