Increasing heat waves are becoming a bigger issue each year.
One of the most significant ways in which Madrilenos have been adapting to the environment is through the wide variety of beautiful parks throughout the city. Almost all of Madrid's citizens can get to a public park within a 15-minute walk. Interestingly, a lot of these parks (such as the famous Retiro Park) come from former royal land. They are very safe, clean and very well-manicured. Many local parks have things like rose gardens or fountains. It's not unusual to see people taking a paseo (walk) through parks as late as midnight here!
