Riva Del Garda Plans New Indoor and Outdoor Aquatic Center

The project is ambitious, both urbanistically and economically, given that it involves an investment of several billion lire.

The goal is to create an “aquatic center” in the area of the former Colonia Miralago, either as an alternative or as a replacement for the current structure in the Rione Due Giugno district, which has now reached saturation levels.

For now, in the planning report accompanying the 2000 budget forecast and the multi-year plan 2000-2002, only the mention of “a new swimming pool” is made, without specifying whether it will be indoor (approximately 5 billion lire expected in this case) or simply outdoor, usable exclusively during the warm season.

Details on the new swimming pool project

The culture and sports councilor, Luigi Marino, however, speaks of “two swimming pools, one covered and one outdoor, the first obviously served by a grandstand as well as the related services.”

From this perspective, having two pools to cover the entire year seems very probable, if not certain, along with the decommissioning of the current “Meroni” pool.

“Recovering,” Marino further notes, “significant spaces for the Rione Due Giugno, substantial spaces that are also close to the school complex.”

From Palazzo Pretorio, officials specify that, for the moment, this is only “a political hypothesis,” which has been promoted in recent weeks especially by Adalberto Mosaner, the urban planning councilor and the first supporter of this solution.

“A political project,” Marino continues, “for which there is room for action and which we intend to realize by the end of this legislature (2005).”

It’s not a dream, even if, obviously, at the current stage, we cannot be precise about the implementation timeline.

What is certain is that the project is part of the governing program of the center-left majority and has been included, although without concrete funding, in the budget planning report.

The General Urban Plan also foresees a park in the area, including the southern part of the former Cattori area, with swimming pools and the demolition of the Miralago Colony structures.

However, Miralago is currently owned by the Province, which could become part of the “Lido di Riva Spa,” integrating the area into the company’s capital and effectively transferring ownership to the Municipality.

The future of the project will also depend on the Province’s stance on the urban planning proposal—whether it opposes or supports the demolition of the Miralago structures.

This decision will only be known once the new regional master plan has been approved in Trento (the plan to return to Riva is scheduled for next fall).

“We believe in this project,” adds Deputy Mayor and public works councilor Pietro Matteotti.

It remains to be seen whether the true intention, and the ultimate goal, is to realize two separate facilities, one indoor and one outdoor.

Some systems, of French origin, offer “flexible” structures with minimal environmental impact, given that they are only a few meters from the lakefront zone.

Luciano Rigatti, president of “Amici Nuoto Riva” and federale official, is of course enthusiastic about this possibility.

“Trento has 4 pools, Rovereto has 5 within its aquatic center, plus two school pools, and they are considering another one,” says Rigatti.

“In Riva, the current Meroni facility is already at saturation and, in any case, needs upgrading. The market demands new spaces, so thinking about a new structure can only be positive.”

Of course, there are some issues to be addressed, such as management costs and parking problems in the lakeside area.

The important thing, however, is that the topic is being discussed. From a financial perspective, I believe that the Centro Studi Coni will pay attention to such a proposal.”