In 1815 the then governor of Gibraltar established a walk around the Grand Parade as a place of public recreation to form what is called an Alameda, where the inhabitants might enjoy the air protected from the extreme heat of the sun. The promenade around the Parade was gradually expanded to include about 8 hectares of land in what became known as the Alameda Gardens. Alameda is derived from the Spanish word “Alamo”, or White Poplar Populus alba, and old writings mention these trees growing along the Grand Parade. The walks opened to the public on 14th April 1816.