Tree planting initiatives were carried out with the support of local and foreign individuals, various local companies, financial institutions and embassies. In January 2011, a large olive tree was planted in a central location of this new extension to mark the planting of the 100,000th tree under the Tree4U Campaign. In order to irrigate the green areas within the park during dry seasons, a water reservoir was installed under the car park having a holding capacity of 1,728m3.
In the first quarter of 2017 the central formal area was re-embellished with artificial turf. An adjacent new playing area was equipped with access for all playing features including rubber matting, artificial turf, lamp posts and lighting bollards, including also new signage works and stainless-steel bins around the central water fountain and water cascade areas.
The proposed 2018/9 park extension, which covers an approximate area of 15,000m2, shall seek to complement and diversify the recreational product by providing new recreational spaces catering to different people from different groups and ages. This proposed extension incorporates reservoirs, water stream, an open space with water features and three areas for playing equipment for children of different ages. These playing areas are segregated based on the various afforested sections. In addition to the 1,059 trees planted within this site in the past years, around 2000 more indigenous trees will be planted under the Tree4U campaign. This area together with Salina Park and Kennedy Grove will become a one whole park with an area covering 85,000 sq. m.
The recent rehabilitation and restoration of the neighbouring salt pan system has also enhanced the historical and cultural value of the area.
Attractions
The focal point of the Salina Park consists of a centralised recreational area, including an open fountain, playing equipment with accompanying footpaths, artificial turf and rubberised matting. An artificial water stream flows from this open area towards a lateral entrance to the park. This area is very popular with visitors, especially parents with children as well as foreigners who wish to spend time relaxing on the surrounding park benches, whilst children play and enjoy themselves.
The Kennedy Grove extension and embellishment, which covers an approximate area of 3,000m2, complement and diversify the recreational product to provide a holistic recreational area which caters for all ages. This extension incorporates printed concrete footpaths, new lighting lamp posts and low lighting bollards, an open space with a wooden gazebo meeting area, five areas for playing equipment for children of different ages, accessible for all and an outdoor gym equipment. These playing areas are segregated by the various sections of the afforestated area. Around 200 more indigenous trees were planted under the 34U campaign in this area to add up with the hundreds of trees planted in the past years.
Sites of historical interest within walking distance:
Chapel of the Annunciation of the Virgin (16th century Roman Catholic chapel) at Naxxar Road, Salini – Mass celebrated every Saturday at 1700hrs; enquire with Naxxar parish
- Rock cut tombs (2nd to 4th century A.D.) located close to the Chapel of the Annunciation
- Redoubt and ‘fougasse’ or rock hewn mortar (mid 18th century) at Salini Coast Road
- Coastal Watch Towers of Għallis and Qalet Marku, two out of the thirteen watch towers built between 1658 and 1659, at Salini Coast Road (Guardianship ‘Din L-Art Helwa’)
Ecological Importance
The Salini area is characterised by an estuary with salt marsh and fresh water vegetation. Within the bay of Salini, sea water intermixes with rain water originating from a complex of valley systems leading to ‘Is-Salini’. This resulting salt marsh at ‘Is-Salini’ is rich in species diversity, having a composition different from that of other salt marshes in the Maltese Islands. This site supports a number of endemic flora and fauna species, a large number of which are endangered and/or threatened.
Tas-Sokkorsu canal, which is found near to the Kennedy Grove area, offers a suitable habitat for salt march plants such as the Annual Beard-Grass (Papolypogon monspelienesis), Shrubby Sea-blite (Suaeda vera), Opposite-leaved saltwort (Salsola soda) and Common Reed (Phragmites australis) are common. Is-Salini also supports the very rare Borrer's Saltmarsh Grass (Puccinellia fasciculata) and the Sea Couch Grass (Elymus pycnanthus). The Sea Couch is only known locally from this site, and it is worth mentioning that this plant was recorded only from Malta and Madeira, Spain.
The park also hosts a garrigue community based on Mediterranean Thyme (Thymbra capitata), Mediterranean Heath (Erica multiflora), Olive-leaved Buckthorn (Rhamnus oleoides) and Olive-leaved Germander (Teucrium fruticans). Other endemic flora found within the higher garrigue area includes Maltese Sea Chamomile (Anthemis urvilleana), Maltese Fleabane (Chiliadenus bocconei) and Maltese Dwarf Garlic (Allium lojaconoi).
The salt pans and salt marsh provide an important ornithological site for migratory birds as well as a suitable habitat for salt marsh and brackish water species. The Common Reed clusters provide shelter for select bird species, including herons, egrets, mallards, pipers and waders.
A number of endemic fauna are recorded from this locality, some of which occur only at is-Salini including the earwig (Anisolabis maritima), the Jumping spider (Neaetha membrosa), the grasshopper (Heteracris adspersa), the Sand hopper (Gammarus aequicauda) and the Staphylindi beetle (Querdius simplicifrons). The park also hosts the Maltese Top Snail (Trochoidea spratti) and Maltese Door Snail (Muticaria macrostoma), both of which are endemic to the Maltese Islands.
Visitor Information
The Salina Park incorporates a parking area with 37 parking bays, including spaces for persons with restricted mobility.
A privately operated cafeteria and public convenience provide the park with essential sanitary and ancillary facilities one expects from such recreational areas. The park is also serviced with a free filtered Wi-Fi internet system.
Park opening hours: 6:30am to 11:30pm
Signs in all areas: Please follow the information boards found on site.
Visitors who do not follow these regulations shall be asked to leave the Park.