Nea Smyrni Grove, Urban park in Nea Smyrni, Greece.
Nea Smyrni Grove is an urban park with numerous pine trees, walking paths, and areas designed for different activities. The site features free outdoor exercise equipment, basketball courts, and a football field connected by a network of designated routes throughout the grounds.
The park developed after Greek refugees from Asia Minor settled in the area following events in 1922, founding the Nea Smyrni community. This settlement shaped the neighborhood's identity and left a legacy that continues to define the area today.
The grove's first recorded event was a two-day rural festival on 21–22 August 1937, organised by the fundraising committee of Agia Fotini with dances, a Smyrniote fair and food; 6,500 tickets were sold to fund the church. Since 1985 a wooden 1,000-seat stage has hosted the Ionic Festivals every September and municipal cultural performances in May–June.
The park is accessible throughout the day with plenty of spots to rest between activities. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths vary in length and some shaded areas under the trees may be uneven.
The grove was the first public work built in the refugee settlement, laid out in 1924 under the Kalligas plan while Alexandros Papanastasiou was Minister of Agriculture. Before refugees settled, the land belonged to owners from Plaka and was planted with almond and eucalyptus trees, crossed north and south by two large streams.
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