San Juan de la Canal Mill Park

The surroundings of the San Juan de la Canal Mill, in Soto de la Marina, will soon be transformed into a new public park that highlights one of the most distinctive and symbolic heritage sites along the Costa Quebrada coastline. The project is structured around this cultural and symbolic landmark, together with the San Juan Hermitage, in a high-value natural setting that until now has been difficult for citizens to access.

The project area is located at the end of the La Canal maritime inlet and at the mouth of the Otero stream, marking the starting point of both seaside promenades and green corridors that follow the streams and connect with the coastal system. This location plays a strategic role within the Costa Quebrada coastal corridor, not only for its ecological and geological value but also for its contribution to landscape and recreational connectivity in the municipality.

The proposal is grounded in a deep understanding of the site, integrating its relationship with water, topography, and geology with the enhancement of cultural heritage. Based on these foundations, the design creates pathways and open spaces that improve accessibility, enrich the landscape experience, and strengthen the biodiversity of the area.

The project incorporates a strategic distribution of lightweight, low-impact elements such as viewpoints, bench-steps, wooden platforms, and a tiered seating line facing a multifunctional open lawn, conceived as a flexible space for outdoor activities. In addition, a small children’s play area is planned next to this open space, promoting family use and community interaction.

One of the most significant aspects of the intervention is the restoration of access to the historic mill through a scenic walkway, allowing visitors to approach from the south and enjoy views of the former reservoir area. This intervention combines improved accessibility with respect for the landscape and built heritage, reinforcing the emblematic and identity value of the site and its memory linked to water.

Through this project, the San Juan de la Canal Mill area will be opened to the public as a new reference space, bringing together nature, heritage, and leisure in the exceptional setting of the Costa Quebrada. The initiative exemplifies a sensitive and coherent approach to landscape design, aligned with the natural and cultural values of the territory.