In an official statement from the municipality in the Porto district, it was revealed that a court decision arises from a lawsuit filed in September 2017, which aimed at reversing the ownership of the property back to the Municipality.
In the lawsuit, the City Council argued that the terms outlined in the deed of transfer to the State (from 1922) were not being met, specifically citing the neglect and lack of activity in the area by the managing entity.
In contrast, in its defense regarding the lawsuit filed in 2017 by the City Council, the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) asserted that the forestry services had developed the Amarante forest park and were responsible for its upkeep. The State further contended that the Forest Park was being managed professionally.
However, in the ruling, which was accessed by the press agency, the court upheld most of the grounds presented by the City Council, which included the alleged breach of contract by the State and ICNF. Consequently, the court ordered the property to be returned to the municipality.
This first-instance decision is subject to appeal by the State.
For António Jorge Ricardo, the Mayor of Amarante, “the decision of the Administrative and Fiscal Court of Penafiel is a clear indication of justice and respect for the heritage and the will of the Amarante community.”
“The Quinta de Codeçais [which includes the forest park] is an identity and strategic space for the city. Its return paves the way for the rehabilitation, revitalization, and appreciation of this important natural and cultural resource,” the mayor added in statements to the press agency.
The Amarante forest park, located on the left bank of the Tâmega River, was for many decades a popular leisure area for the residents of Amarante and surrounding municipalities, especially during the spring and summer months.
However, complaints have mounted over the maintenance of the area, particularly its gardens, urban furniture, and the forest houses within the park’s perimeter.
Another issue highlighted by the court is the loss of equipment and features that once existed there, such as a playground, a tennis court, a picnic area, and a refuge for native animals from the Marão and Meia Via mountains, among others.
The press agency has contacted the ICNF and is awaiting a response.
