The award, given in the “Friendly City” category by the Network of Walking Cities (Red de Ciudades que Caminan), recognizes the intervention promoted by the City Council following the severe floods caused by Storm Gloria in September 2019 in Canterería street due to the overflow of the Clariano river.
The jury highlighted the project's capacity to go beyond responding to a risk situation and turn it into an opportunity for urban, environmental, and social transformation. According to the jury's assessment, “all repairs are opportunities to do better, but Ontinyent goes further by creating a wonderful space and becomes a good example for all cities”. It also values how the action has leveraged “a technical and safety response as an opportunity to create public space and green areas accessible to residents”.
“"We are committed to improving public space, walkability, universal accessibility, road safety, and sustainable mobility."
Jorge Rodríguez thanked the recognition, which he considers particularly significant “because it comes from a network that promotes more livable cities, with more space for people and mobility that prioritizes walking”. The mayor explained that Ontinyent was not previously part of the Network of Walking Cities but received an invitation to join following this award. The Ontinyent project has been valued as an initiative capable of opening new possibilities for other cities.
The transformation of La Canterería required a multi-year process, including modifications to urban planning, acquisition of properties, relocation of affected families, demolition of buildings, and development of the new park project. The action allowed the river to reclaim a space historically linked to its course that had become a vulnerable area during flood events.
The Ciudades que Caminan Award thus joins a trajectory of recognitions that have placed the La Canterería and Parc de les Mamàs Belgues project at the state and international level. Among other distinctions, the project has received the Urbanism and Landscape Award at the XXII COACV Architecture Awards 2025 and the UIA 2030 Awards, promoted by the International Union of Architects and UN-Habitat. Furthermore, the project has been selected as a finalist for the XIV Ibero-American Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism.
