Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Benalmadena families are now questioning the public’s spending on a park after it was criticized for its high cost and late completion. Santangelo Norte, which promised a multi-use, modern family park, has ended up with an unfinished site, fence-off, and three wooden dinosaur structures on dirt ground.
Dinosaur disappointment
Official town hall documents confirm the construction contract was awarded for €714,677.56, with initial planning pushing total expenditure higher. Locals thought that such a large, fully-equipped adventure area would be enough to justify the cost. The town was filled with disappointment, which sparked a debate on social media about the value for money.
“We need to ask for the invoices and details. What is visible in the photograph is not worth more than €100 at a toy shop. What a disgrace.”
“Work has been halted since May on an €800,000 project. “That equipment is barely worth any money.”
If the intention was for Santangelo to receive improvements because its residents deserve it, this money could have been used instead to solve serious neighbourhood problems.
As construction delays continue, neighbours’ requests are ignored.
Local residents initially lobbied for a standard playground with traditional swings, rubber safety surfaces and other features. However, leaders of the town hall decided to go ahead with a prehistoric theme without consulting local families. The construction began in the autumn of 2025. However, progress has been slow and no work is expected to be completed until late 2026.
Parents express frustration regarding execution and safety. “They haven’t even installed swings and putting dirty flooring everywhere is a bad idea for kids.””, “Living directly opposite this construction site means staring two years worth of unfinished works. “At night, darkness covers the area and collects trash while no one gives clear answers.”
Local community challenges the priorities of town hall
Residents of Benalmadena argue that investing vast sums in a controversial project is a waste, as other amenities are showing signs decay. The railings on the seafront and walkways are in desperate need of updating. Areas like Parque de La Paloma, which have been around for decades, also require urgent attention. Families in the surrounding area ask leaders to listen to their community’s needs and prioritize spending before embarking on another major project.
