The Municipality of Penteli was visited by the Attica Regional Governor Nikos Chardalias, as part of the cycle of visits he makes to all the municipalities of the basin, aiming at direct and substantial contact with local communities, the recording of the real needs of citizens and coordination with the Municipal Authorities for the progress of projects implemented or launched with funding from the Region of Attica.

Initially, Mr. Chardalias participated in a meeting that took place in the Municipal Council Hall of the Municipality of Penteli with the participation of Mayor Natassa Kosmopoulou and her colleagues. There were thoroughly discussed the projects currently underway, the priorities that should be set for the coming period, as well as the possibilities for further cooperation between the first and second levels of local government, especially in infrastructure, environmental, and civil protection issues.
Particular emphasis was placed on the need for flood protection, the sustainable management of open green spaces, and the creation of infrastructure that enhances the daily life of citizens, with respect for the natural environment and the identity of the region.

Immediately after Mr. Nikos Chardalias visited places where important projects are carried out with funding from the Region.

The fully upgraded “Thalossi” Park of Nea Penteli is delivered

The first stop of the autopsies was the “Thalossi” Park in Nea Penteli, a landmark project for the region, covering an area of 16,500 sq.m., which is fully upgraded and equipped with funding from the Region of Attica, with a total budget of 4,328,000 euros (plus VAT).

The project, which is expected to be completed and handed over for use within the next few weeks, has as its main objective the creation of a modern, open, and inclusive outdoor sports and recreation area, accessible to all citizens, regardless of age or physical abilities. It is located within a wider public forest area of 52 acres, at the site of the ancient lake “Thalossi”, and its reconstruction is based on gentle interventions that respect the natural landscape and enhance the character of the area.

The main functional modules of the project include:

– A football field, running and cycling track area, with a total surface area of 8,700 sq.m., with a modern football pitch, a spectator stand, a 343 m long running track, and a 265 m long cycling lane.
– A recreation area, which is fully maintained and modernized, with emphasis on energy upgrading through Renewable Energy Sources, in accordance with the current legislation and the principles of energy saving.
– A playground with a galaxy theme, with the latest generation of equipment, safety floors, information panels, free play areas, and rest corners. Provision is made for the installation of a pergola with shade, seating, waste bins, a drinking water tap, perimeter fencing, and LED lighting to achieve appropriate lighting with the lowest possible maintenance costs and the longest possible lifespan.
– Outdoor exercise area, 260 sqm, with equipment suitable for the age groups over 14 years old, fully wheelchair accessible. Next to the gym area, there is a special zone of calm and individual concentration for yoga, pilates, tai chi, and meditation activities.
– An open-air exhibition area “Thalossi”, with a total area of 230 sq. m., dedicated to the historical memory and cultural identity of the region, with open shelters and information points for residents and visitors.
At the same time, extensive interventions are being implemented to upgrade the drainage, water supply, sewerage, and electrical lighting networks, as well as the reconstruction and energy upgrade of the buildings.

Melissia’s Tsagari Park: it will incorporate greenery, culture, and collective memory

Integration and culture will incorporate a cultural and cultural heritage.
Afterwards, the Attica Regional Governor visited the Park Tsagaris Melissia, where projects are being implemented to upgrade and modernize the open green spaces, with the resources of the Region of Attica, with a total budget of 1,058,000 euros (plus VAT).
The park, covering 277 acres, was designed as a multifunctional space for recreation, culture, and outdoor activities, aiming to enhance its visitability, sustainability, and social dynamics. At the same time, it is planned to incorporate a targeted action dedicated to the great Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, paying tribute to his work and his global cultural legacy.
The programme contract provides for the creation of:
– A small amphitheatre (“Phaedra”)
– A children’s playground (“Beautiful City”)
– Music Garden (“From Miki… to today”)
– Outdoor exercise area (“Zorbas”),
– as well as the construction of recreation houses and sanitary facilities.

Flood control project of strategic importance in the area of Pedon Penteli

The visit of Mr. Chardalias was completed with the autopsy he conducted in the area of the Penteli Children’s Hospital and, in particular, in Ippokratous Street, where the construction of a rainwater collector is planned, with a total budget of 1,600,000 euros (plus VAT).
The project is part of the overall planning of the Region of Attica for the flood protection of urban areas and the prevention of flooding phenomena. The collector, 1,130 meters long, will start from the nursing home, will pass through Ippokratous and Dukissis Plakentias streets, and will end with a specially designed outfall project in the Kufou stream, according to the revised final study of the Municipality of Penteli.

After the completion of the on-site inspections at the construction sites, Attica Region Governor Nikos Chardalias stated that:

“My presence in Penteli today is part of our firm choice to be in the field, in direct contact with local communities and Municipal Authorities. Penteli is progressing and recording positive steps in recent years, with the Region of Attica standing by this effort, with substantial cooperation and targeted interventions.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to see the progress of important projects funded by the Region, projects that enhance the quality of life of residents, upgrade public spaces, and strengthen the resilience of the region against natural hazards.”
He added:
“As a Regional Authority, we are called upon to balance the needs of 66 municipalities with different characteristics and challenges. That is why we are moving along two major axes. The first is about the effective armouring of the Basin. For decades, we have been trying to deal with the problems in a fragmented way in an arbitrarily built-up Attica. This cannot continue any longer. Water has a memory; it remembers how it started, how it progressed, and if we do not respect it, it will strike again.
The second axis concerns the streamlining and acceleration of mature studies, so that flood protection projects are implemented with speed, transparency, and measurable results. We started with the aim of creating 55 such projects to shield the basin, but the programme is dynamic and already has 61, out of a total of 300+1 that are gradually changing the map of Attica. We are strengthening resilience, security, and quality of life in every neighbourhood.”

For her part, the Mayor of Penteli, Natassa Kosmopoulou, noted:
“Our cooperation with the Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias and his services is excellent. There remains, of course, a constant need for further support, especially in critical flood control projects, which are a priority for our municipality.
The recent heavy downpour confirmed in practice that the interventions that have been implemented are working, as no serious flooding events were recorded in the area. Our municipal team works every day with transparency, honesty, and consistency, with the sole aim of protecting and improving the quality of life of our residents.”

During his visit to the Municipality of Penteli, the Attica Regional Governor was accompanied by the Deputy Regional Governor of the Northern Sector of Athens Margarita Varsou, and the Special Secretary of the Attica Region, Elena Rapti.

At the meeting held in the Municipality of Penteli, the Mayor Natassa Kosmopoulou was accompanied by the Deputy Mayors of Cleaning, Environment, Sustainable Development, Electric Lighting, Cemeteries and Actions for Strays Dimitris Tsoukleris, Technical Works, Infrastructure and Urban Planning Fotis Fotiou, Education Vassilis Kouvelis, Culture and Equality Artemis Argyri, Sports and Youth Penelope Naflioti, Municipal Community of Penteli Meropi Kapetanopoulou and Municipal Community of Nea Penteli Anastasia Avramidi-Kotsirea, the Commissioner for Daily Life, Citizen’s Office and KEPC Dimitra Giannakopoulou, the General Secretary of the Municipality Panagiotis Panagos and the Mayor’s Advisor, Eleni Skiada.