Parque Urbano de Lamego

The Parque Urbano de Lamego is the city’s newest green space, built on a stretch of abandoned and neglected plots along the Ribeira do Coura, a stream that runs through the centre. The two halves of the park meet at Praça Dr. Fernando Amaral, and it sits right beside the Mata dos Remédios woods.

The council opened the first phase in 2023. It cost €4.89 million at the original contract price, 85% funded by the EU through the city’s urban development plan, and the mayor, Francisco Lopes, described it as a space for everyone and a new centre for the city, geared to leisure and getting together. Entry is free.

According to the council and Jornal do Centro, the full plan includes:

• a pump track for bikes
• a children’s playground (parque infantil)
• two multi-sport courts
• walking paths
• a bar with toilets
• an open-air amphitheatre and a spectator stand
• community vegetable gardens
• a senior fitness circuit with equipment adapted for older people
• two new footbridges across the stream, and a restored older bridge

In October 2023, Notícias de Lamego reported that the paths, the playground, the pump track, the sports courts and the senior circuit were already open to the public.

A pump track is a loop of rollers (smooth humps) and banked corners that you ride without pedalling. You gain speed by pushing down into each dip and lifting over each hump, so a good rider can go round and round on momentum alone. It teaches balance, timing and body position, with no traffic and no long distances.

The council’s page lists the pump track “for bicycles”. It hasn’t published its length, surface or rules, or whether skateboards and scooters can use it. A young child can start slowly, rolling over the humps and walking round any corner that feels too steep, while older children build up speed. Expect a mix of ages. The usual pump-track etiquette is to ride in one direction, take turns to set off, and never stop on the track.

Wear a helmet. Gloves are a good idea, since a fall at speed on a hard surface scrapes hands first.

The council hasn’t published details of the playground equipment, fencing or surface, so check it when you arrive if you have a toddler. Alongside it are two multi-sport courts, which suit a game of football or basketball, and the paths along the stream are good for a slow bike ride or a scooter.

The park was designed around sport, leisure and environmental education, and the council points to its link with the Mata dos Remédios next door. That makes it easy to combine a play session with a walk under the trees.

• Parking: the council planned two car parks with 109 spaces in total. The first opened with the park.
• Works: a second phase of about €1.2 million was launched to fix errors, omissions and gaps in the original project. Some areas may still be under construction or fenced off, so check before promising a particular feature.
• Toilets and a bar are part of the plan, but the council hasn’t confirmed opening hours for them, so bring water and snacks.
• The park is on a stream. Keep an eye on small children near the water.

Lamego is a short drive up from the Douro at Peso da Régua, where the summer Douro historic train sets off along the river. For a boat trip on the Douro with a big lock to go through, see the Carrapatelo lock cruise. South of Lamego, Viseu has its own free skate park in the Parque do Fontelo.

Is there a pump track in Lamego?

Yes. The Parque Urbano de Lamego has a pump track for bikes, which opened with the first phase of the park in 2023.

Is the Parque Urbano de Lamego free?

Yes. It’s a public council park with no entry charge.

Is there a playground?

Yes. A children’s playground was among the first parts of the park to open.

Is there parking?

The council planned two car parks with 109 spaces in total, and the first one opened with the park.