Desenzano’s New Park: Green Space, Recreation, and Community Facilities

For the first time in its history, Desenzano can finally treat itself to a nice gift: a large green lawn. By summer, at the latest in autumn, the largest “lung” of green space in lower Garda will be accessible to residents and tourists alike.

This project was already outlined by the previous administration and has now finally reached its completion stage. It involves 120,000 square meters above the area of the swimming pool and the municipal stadium of via Giotto, on the border with the railway line.

One of the most beautiful and scenically interesting areas, from which one can enjoy an unparalleled view: on one side, Lake Garda, on the other, the morainic hills of the inland. The entire project will cost nearly 1 billion 200 million lire, of which, as explained by the Public Works Councilor Tommaso Giardino, 700 million will be paid by private entities and the remaining 500 million by the Municipality.

Details and features of the park

The new park, which is expected to be named “Parco di Sant’Angela Merici” after the patron saint of the town, is located on a property previously owned by two private companies: Gilmar and Dolcini.

In the 1982 zoning plan, it was already designated as a “green area,” thus non-buildable. The previous Rocca administration had decided to reach an agreement with the private owners, obtaining, in exchange for some developable areas, the green space and a small pond.

This was to avoid resorting to expropriation, which would have delayed the implementation process. Meanwhile, after losing the elections, the center-left council was replaced by the current center-right administration, which decided to finalize this project and conclude the process.

Design and amenities of the park

The park will be entirely landscaped, but not following the English model (short grass), rather adopting a natural style. That is, its initial appearance will remain unchanged.

The Municipal Technical Office, responsible for drafting the project, has planned several parking areas at the main entrances. Bicycle and pedestrian paths will be marked, and a fencing network will surround the entire perimeter of the park.

Additionally, a kiosk, numerous wooden benches, and recreational facilities for children will be installed. There may also be refreshment points for visitors wishing to enjoy a picnic.

And that’s not all. The project also includes the creation of a small football pitch, a skating rink, and three courts for basketball and volleyball. Ramps will be added to facilitate wheelchair access for disabled individuals.

Safety and management of the park

Some fear that the park might become a gathering place for drug addicts and homeless people. “There is no need to worry,” Giardino reassures immediately, “because the administration will license, through a formal agreement, the use and management of the park to a cooperative, which will employ its own security personnel to ensure surveillance and maintenance: this is to prevent vandalism or, worse, drug dealing.”

The works will start in a few weeks, and by autumn, residents of Desenzano will be able to begin enjoying it.