Salò’s Green Space Expansion: 206,000 sqm Project for Accessibility and Sustainability

The Municipality of Salò has decided to invest in green spaces. The administration has initiated the gradual implementation of an ambitious project aimed at creating a new network of green areas. This network will revitalize existing spaces that are currently less visible or livable, and will develop new areas accessible to people in difficulty, such as those with motor and sensory disabilities or elderly individuals, as well as, of course, outdoor enthusiasts. The project is ambitious: over seven years, it aims to develop a total of 206,000 square meters of equipped green areas, featuring 7 pedestrian paths and 11 cycle-pedestrian routes, measuring 8 and 11 kilometers respectively. The estimated cost of the operation is 4 billion 240 million euros, of which 3 billion for acquiring 99,000 square meters of private land, and the remainder for equipment installation (378 million), pathway improvements (392 million), green space development (48 million), retaining wall work (120 million), parking facilities (30 million), technical expenses, and unforeseen costs.

Planned Interventions and Facilities

“The Municipality,” says Mayor Gianpiero Cipani, “has already undertaken efforts to evaluate the possibility of obtaining grants and funding. The idea may seem difficult to realize, but it should be considered within a broader strategy that, among other things, includes some transfers, such as the sale of the Amadei stadium.” The feasibility study and preliminary project identified within the municipal territory “6 new equipped parks, 4 of which are fully accessible to people with disabilities, covering a total of 145,900 square meters. Additionally, 7 areas have been identified with the potential to become equipped parks, totaling approximately 30,800 square meters. Furthermore, 29,700 square meters of existing green areas are already equipped.” The designated routes consist of 7 pedestrian paths and cycle-pedestrian routes, divided between ring connections among various parks and connections leading to the lake or mountain.

Itineraries and Activity Management

The system includes seating zones, two fitness trails, playground equipment, five kiosks for refreshment areas and related activities, five toilet blocks, six drinking fountains, SOS call stations for emergencies, and lighting. According to the preliminary plan (prepared by geologist Piero Fiaccavento and surveyor Maurizio Luiteriani, coordinated by engineer Mario Geroldi), construction should begin at the park called “Vallone del Moriondo,” followed by the order: “Amadei” Park (south of the old football field), “Burago” Park (in the Cunettone district), “Nuovo Stadio” Park, “Mulini” Park (in Campoverde), and “S. Pellico” Park (on via dei Colli, near the so-called Scala Santa).

Management and Sustainability

Regarding management — including cleanliness, maintenance, reception, and surveillance — it is deemed unrealistic for the Municipality to handle these responsibilities independently: “It will be necessary,” says the feasibility study, “to establish a management framework that can generate interest among private entities and organizations, so that they assume management costs in exchange for the revenue they can generate.”