Malta’s first ecopark for children has opened its doors in Attard, hosting interactive flooring that in Europe can only be found in Germany.

Targeting those aged two to 10, with an area specifically for autistic children, the park is fully sustainable through solar, wind and kinetic energy created by the children themselves.

A set of stationary bicycles light up a whirlpool when used, with bright mushrooms sparking to life when children walk on them.

Located within the President’s Kitchen Garden, the park is equipped with play structures that demonstrate basic scientific principles to children, and any extra energy feeds the site’s electricity grid.

Solar energy meanwhile feeds into what are known as smart benches, which can power electric equipment, serve as wifi hotspots and also provide weather information.

The €800,000 project by the Office of the President and the Energy Ministry, has also seen the installation of a system that collects rainwater to be used for the garden’s plants and trees.

Permanent Secretary at the Energy Ministry Anthony Gatt hoped the equipment would help children understand how energy could be produced through sustainable sources and not just power stations.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca described the ecopark as a dream come true. She commended the Energy and Finance ministries for their contribution, noting that such projects needed political will to kick off.

Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

The project was the last gem in a necklace created over the past five years, where children took a central role, the President told those present for the launch.

It also marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognised play as a right.

She suggested a similar park in Xgħajra, calling on the minister to consult with the National Institute for Childhood, which sought feedback and recommendations about play areas from the experts themselves – children.

This way, the authorities would not only be recognising the children’s right to play but also their right to participation, Ms Coleiro Preca said.