1.Urban Parks and Gardens

2. Botanical Gardens A botanical garden is usually an area inserted in the urban space, devoted to the cultivation, preservation and dissemination of vegetation (native and exotic). In these spaces, the many species and varieties of wild plants and horticultural cultivated are properly identified and cataloged. 3. Botanical Garden of Porto With more than 4 acres, this botanical garden has very diverse areas, dominated by the elegant shape of the House Andresen, whose name evokes important figures of the twentieth-century Portuguese literature: Sophia de Mello Breyner and Ruben Andresen Andresen. The romantic garden of the late nineteenth century, involves the Andresen House, extending from the leafy spaces that protect the property from the movement of Rua do Campo Alegre, to the high hedges of camellias, south, hiding inside three delicate gardens, one of which - the garden of Jotas - perpetuated in interlaced boxwood, the initials of its former owners, Joana and Joo Andresen, Sophia and Ruben Andresens grandparents. 4. The transformation, in the mid-sec. XX, of Quinta do Campo Alegre into Botanical Institute gave, in addition to the great enrichment plant species, the opportunity of creating modern garden spaces, among which stands out the beautiful Garden of Shale, with its aquatic plants. Other areas were also deployed, as the forest area, the big lake, new greenhouses and nurseries. Currently, the vocation of the Botanical Garden of OPorto is to support scientific work, to disseminate knowledge, environmental awareness and aesthetic enjoyment. 5. Urban Parks An urban park is a type of public space inserted in urban area free of buildings and in where a large concentration of vegetation can be found. At its core, industrial and residential establishments are not allowed, and the existing businesses are often kiosks and street sellers. An urban park provides leisure and recreation for the inhabitants of the metropolis, as well as a playful appropriation of the public space. Urban parks often include playgrounds and sports fields, small lakes and educational centres such as museums, cultural centres and botanical gardens. Urban parks are, in short, one of the key components of a city especially dedicated to providing a high quality of life to its residents. 6. This urban park, of very large proportions, opened to the public in 2008. It is a leisure area with lots of trees and it has several pedestrian and / or bicycle paths. The park acquires a larger dimension thanks to the presence of the Ul River, which traverses it. In fact, the realignment and widening of the river bed, combined with the construction of dams, and the dams supply the irrigation system of the park itself. Visitors to the park also have at their disposal the House of Nature, created through the use of an old water station, a multifaceted space with a bar, a reception room, a centre for environmental interpretation and even support facilities. Urban Park of Rio Ul (So Joo da Madeira) 7. N Sra. dos Milagres Park (So Joo da Madeira) Opened to the public in 1938, the park was built thanks to the donations from the population of S. Joo da Madeira. In this park lies the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles, a monument of the neo-Romanesque period that is decorated by an imposing crucified Christ in marble. The space has a picnic area, a fitness course and a playground, allowing people the enjoyment of outdoor life. 8. Ferreira de Castro Park (Oliveira de Azemis) The Ferreira de Castro Park is a green, very functional and pleasant space, suitable for leisure and recreation for people of all ages. The park is equipped with a fitness circuit, a mini golf, a playground, a geriatric park and a picnic area. There is also a support bar called "The Jungle" in honour of the writer's work that gives its name to the park, Ferreira de Castro. 9. La Salette Park (Oliveira de Azemis) Situated on a hill near the city of Oliveira de Azemis, La Salette Park was created in 1909 and is currently managed by the La Salette Foundation. Establishing itself as an environmental and leisure reference, this spot was classified of public interest by the National Forest Authority, in 2009, rewarding the size, age, rarity and especially the diversity of the species found there. Among the species found here, there is the Australian tree-tea and the redwood from California. In the park, we cant forget to mention the lake and the chapel of La Salette, an important place of worship and architectural interest. 10. Theme Parks These are spaces intended for families and they are not inserted into the urban area. In these places people seek to explore emotions and experiences related to particular social, cultural, anthropological aspects, fun, adventure, walking, water, etc.. 11. Ul Watermill Park (Oliveira de Azemis) The Watermill Theme Park is a space that takes advantage of the existing watermills in this region for over two centuries. The abundant water of the rivers was omnipresent in the economic life of Oliveira de Azemis. With it the fields were watered and thanks to its strength, numerous mills milled flour which, on the other hand, fed another complementary activity - the making of the famous Ul bread. Later on, taking advantage of the existing watermills another activity was born- shelling rice. Nowadays, throughout the county, the grinding sector, although it has not the strength of old times, continues to hold great vitality. The bread of Ul continues to fill peoples mouth with flavour. As for the rice husking, here are implanted the major national industries in its gender. The planning and management of the Windmill Theme Park, which includes the Museum Centre of the Mill and Bread, belong to the municipality. 12. 13. The end Work made by: Maria Soares Dbora Cabral Joana Freitas From Portugal