Page 56 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2022 DISCOVERING MADRID

Madrid’s Rio Park

At the suggestion of our friend Ira, who was courts and soccer fields to a large rollerskating
visiting Madrid for the first time, we hiked from part and kiddy zip line.
our La Latina digs to the city’s Rio Park, built At one end is an impressive arts district in the
along a six-mile once industrial stretch of the repurposed brick buildings of an old slaughter-
Manzanares River. The narrow river coursing house. Some housed classrooms, while others
through a walled channel in the heart of the tempted with exhibits, theater, and concerts.
city is no great shakes, although birds and other Nearby, a sprawling glasshouse welcomed visi-
wildlife certainly enjoy it. But the park itself is tors to its sheltered tropical and desert plant
magnificent. collection from around the world.
It's relatively new, completed in 2011, so we We strolled the wide walkways, enjoying the
could only imagine how beautiful it will be as downtime from Madrid’s hyper energy. Still we
the landscaping matures. City residents and were never far from one of Madrid’s most en-
tourists flock to this verdant escape for count- during charms - outdoor cafes. One within the
less forms of outdoor fun, from quiet walks to park beckoned us for refreshing canas (small
team sports. Seventeen play areas, each beer) in the cooling shade of umbrellas. Perfect
equipped for various ages, range from tennis rewards for our workout - er, walk.

56 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022