Children with special educational needs are set to have a space designed exclusively for them in Almuñécar on Granada province’s Costa Tropical. The new centre, which is currently being drafted, will be located behind the future Sénior Tropical complex, on land that will allow the construction of a building suitable for educational, therapeutic and recreational activities, with spaces designed to guarantee the safety, comfort and development of the children.

Francisco Rodríguez, councillor for public and strategic projects, said that work will begin before the end of the year and is being financed with 1.2 million euros from European Next Generation Funds.

Mayor of Almuñécar, Juanjo Ruiz Joya, said, “This centre will prevent families from having to travel to other municipalities on the Costa Tropical.” The mayor said that “the town hall will do everything possible to start the project this year”.

The Sénior Tropical complex is also progressing and will accommodate 320 people once finished, which is twice as many as the old building. The new complex is equipped with modern amenities, such as communal spaces, underground parking, dining areas, cafeterias, and space for cultural and theatrical activities.

The estimated completion time for the complex is two years. The provincial authority, the Diputación de Granada, plans to tender and award the work in the first half of this year, with the aim of starting work on 14 August.

Almuñécar is also planning to open a new children’s playground, which has been designed “for inclusion and adapted play”. The mayor announced in November 2025 that the architect Francisco Javier Navarro had won the contract to draft the project.

The playground design is inspired by The Wizard of Oz. It has different areas where children can explore, learn and enjoy themselves. The design of the playground will be based on the guidelines from the neuroinclusive design guide for play spaces and the friendly design manual, which aligns it with the Sustainable Development Goals 10, 11 and aims to reduce inequalities, create safe, inclusive, and accessible urban environments.

The councillor said that this kind of facility is vital for the integration of children and their well-being. It’s not only about playing, but also about creating a place where children can develop their skills and follow routines. This park will provide a safe, stimulating environment in the heart of the city for many of them.

The project will have a budget of 827,00 euros and be located at the municipal site where the old Auditorium Cinema used to be.