Enhancing Stormwater Management and Community Spaces at Paola’s Silvio Parnis Garden
13 Feb, 2026 | by RBMP Life |The rehabilitation of the Silvio Parnis Garden in Paola is underway, with stormwater management and reservoir works being funded through the EU RBMP LIFE Programme, amounting to €200,000 (VAT included). This investment forms part of ongoing national efforts to improve water resilience, reduce runoff, and enhance community spaces across Malta.
Sustainable Stormwater Management
A key component of the project is the introduction of multiple measures designed to mitigate stormwater runoff and ensure effective on‑site water management. The design prioritises:
- Retention and increase of permeable surfaces,
- Expansion of green landscaped areas, and
- Strategic planning of falls and surface gradients to guide stormwater into a network of floor drains positioned along the site boundary.
These improvements ensure that no stormwater leaves the site, with all runoff being channelled to the garden’s new underground water reservoir, which is currently under construction.
At the heart of the upgraded stormwater system lies an underground reservoir with a total capacity of approximately 300 m³.
It consists of two dedicated chambers:
- Stormwater Storage Chamber: for the direct collection and storage of runoff.
- Balance Tank: for storing treated water used to irrigate the landscaped areas and operate a water fountain within the garden.
A Revitalised Community Space
Beyond water management improvements, the project aims to transform Silvio Parnis Garden into a multifunctional community space. The upgraded area will include:
- Landscaped gardens and shaded seating
- Children’s play equipment
- Outdoor gym installations
- A dedicated basketball court to encourage sport and social engagement
Nature plays a central role in the design, with around 476 m² of green and landscaped areas planned to act as a green lung for the neighbourhood
