Parc de la Pegaso — Attraction in Barcelona

This is a significant location of an incredible bit of automotive history.

The entrance retains the gate to the factory that was last on this site. This was the home of ENASA (Empresa Nacional de Autocamiones S.A.), which produced trucks branded Pegaso (hence the name of the park). In 1946, Franco nationalized the notable vehicle and powertrain manufacturer, Hispano-Suiza, which was located on this site.

To underline just how significant this is... Hispano-Suiza is considered one of, if not, the most prestigious luxury car brands of the first third of the 20th century. Like Rolls Royce, versus which Hispano Suiza was often considered superior, Hispano-Suiza was also a very highly regarded aero engine manufacturer.

The heritage of Spanish prestige cars and powertrain did not end with the nationalization of Hispano-Suiza. In trying to establish a national truck manufacturer out of Hispano-Suiza, it sought out a Spanish national who had established himself as a highly regarded chief engineer for Alfa Romeo before WW2, Wifredo Ricart. In this position, he had butt heads with Enzo Ferrari, who was contracted by Alfa to run the grand prix racing team, but who had opinions that ŵere considered inappropriate for a contract manager. After WW2, Italy was decimated and Spain saw Ricart as an ideal Spaniard to lead the post- Civil War industrialization effort centered on commercial vehicles. Ricart agreed with the proviso, however, that he would take on the engineering challenge only if he could also (under the guise of training young engineers) develop and build sports and GT cars that made Ferrari look crude, by comparison. In some ways, they were the perfect continuation of the heritage of Hispano-Suiza, though they were branded Pegaso, as the trucks produced by this venture also were. By the end if the 50s, although the cars were lauded critically, they were not a commercial success, and Ricart was forced to stop the effort in GT cars, focusing exclusively on the trucks.

Eventually, the truck effort also failed, and the factory was razed. The land was repurposed, and this park emerged in its place.

There should be a museum to this era in Spanish industrial history...

I have a deep fondness for this small, cozy park near my school, which has become my go-to spot for a daily lunch break. Despite its modest size, the park offers a variety of distinct areas, making it a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. There are numerous benches scattered throughout, providing perfect spots for relaxation and contemplation. The park also features two ponds, adding to its serene atmosphere.

One of the standout features is the large playground, which is always buzzing with the joyful sounds of children playing. For dog owners, there's a dedicated area for walking dogs, ensuring that everyone in the community has a space to enjoy. Additionally, the park is home to a whimsical troll statue, which adds a unique and charming touch.

However, there are a few aspects that detract from the overall experience. The park is not as clean as it should be, which can be off-putting. Litter is often visible, and the maintenance seems sporadic. Moreover, the water in the ponds is quite concerning. It is often cloudy, and I suspect this is due to the use of chemicals. This not only makes the water look unappealing, but it also seems to have driven away the wildlife. I used to enjoy watching ducks swim in the ponds, but now there is no sign of them.

In summary, while this park holds a special place in my heart due to its proximity to my school and its charming features, the lack of cleanliness and the condition of the ponds are significant drawbacks. With better maintenance and a more natural approach to caring for the ponds, this park could truly shine as a...

Huge park, great for kids but also adults and dogs.

I left the Sagrera Rodalies train and metro station and from there it was quite the walk but it worths it.

I entered from the east side of the lark where you have a small kids park. Then I crossed a little bridge above water and I found myself in the main kids park with the giant slide(it’s supposed to be an octopus).

Apart from the slides there are lots of different areas for kids to play. Games include s mini labyrinth, trampolines, etc.

There is small kids park next to the big one.

I found two water fountains(for drinking water).

Huge space for dogs to run too. The west entrance is nearer to the Sagrera train and...