Lake Garda Development: Towns Improve Beaches, Water Quality, and Access
How is the rest of the lake doing? Desenzano, the economic capital, is experiencing a surpassing of Sirmione in terms of quality of life. “Indeed,” comments Orlando Farinelli, the urban planning assessor, “the sector needs to be improved. We are studying several projects to enhance the environment, bathing suitability, and traffic reduction in the town center. In the last two years, for example, there have been more accessible beaches: a or the achievement.”
“Gulf goal” is the topic that Salò is currently examining, from the perspective of water quality, bathing suitability, and sewer system collection. After last week’s meeting, which was also attended by fauna experts, on Friday there will be discussions about state concessions and boat parking management. In December, architects and engineers proposed solutions focusing mainly on a series of pedestrian pathways, some using wooden walkways, others in concrete.
“We,” states the Salò assessor Bernardo Berardinelli, “have tidied up the beaches; the November lakefront work was quite expensive: potholes, erosion, damages. In recent weeks, we laid gravel at the bottom, over fine sand. At the Tavine Beach, from Battani, near the Arcangeli construction site, at La Sirena, in the Post Office square, and on the small shores of Barbarano. An unprecedented (financial) effort, necessary due to the situation. By 2001, we hope to build a couple of piers, expanding beaches like that of Molino.”
“Then there’s the matter of moorings,” intervenes Sergio Bassetti, president of the hoteliers of Salò and Gardone. “Both towns’ administrations are focusing on the construction of docks and walkways to facilitate the influx of motorboats and boats. Regarding reception, last month we inaugurated the two Lake Tourist Offices, and in summer, they will remain open longer, possibly even in the evening. The bed capacities? These days, after completing modernization and restoration work, Galeazzi has reopened. Also in Barbarano, the project on the Astoria continues; it will serve Villa Gemma.”
Bassetti then mentions water quality (“we hope the good results will be confirmed”): initial controls on bathing suitability have been favorable. The sewage works on Garda Uno have allowed the collection of wastewater, channeling it to the Peschiera purification plant. Hopefully, storms won’t cause overflows and reverse the trend. At Gardone Riviera, hospitality is mainly expressed through a busy schedule of events: in the historic center, in the hamlets, and at the Vittoriale. And for the beaches? “We manage maintenance of the two public beaches: at Casinò and Lido di Fasano,” explains Mayor Alessandro Bazzani. “Along the lakefront, we are installing 15 buoys for daily moorings. We also plan to extend the Navigarda dock outward to free up the water surface and encourage greater use. For 2001, we aim for a small harbor with 22 berths.”
In Toscolano, Mayor Paolo Elena recalls “the walkways built in the gulf a few years ago. We also recovered the former camper area, transforming it into a beach. And the Hoteliers Association will continue managing Lido Azzurro.”
Assessor Fabio Cauzzi states: “Atma has cleared the shoreline. We have also planned the construction of new cabins. We are working on managing the stretches next to the Marchi paper mill and at the end of the lakefront. Acquiring them from the Demanio isn’t too difficult, but funding the works is. But the lake isn’t the only attraction. Tourists also visit the inland areas, the Valle delle Camerate. And in summer, at the Palatenda, the skating rink, the former horse riding field, and in town squares, shows keep happening.”