Dallara constructs a citizen-centric park, designed and developed in collaboration with the local community
In the heart of Varano de' Melegari, a small town in Parma, Italy, a new community gathering place has emerged. Il Parco dei Melograni, named after the pomegranate, a symbol of fertility and good omen, has become a vibrant hub for the town's 2,500 inhabitants and those who have moved to work there.
This park, a common good freely accessible to all, was inaugurated recently and was the result of a long process of meetings, workshops, and discussions involving the local community. The construction approach, inspired by temporary reuse, allows for flexibility and adaptation to the community's needs.
Fondazione Dallara, led by vice-president Angelica Dallara, played a pivotal role in the project. Dallara found the perfect location for her social utility activities within the park. The process was facilitated by Milan-based KCity. Regulation work for the park is currently in progress, with Fondazione Dallara set to establish its building within the park's grounds.
The park already boasts several infrastructures built by volunteers, such as a wooden amphitheater, social gardens, and a relaxation and play area. These temporary installations serve as a catalyst for public space development and regeneration, without permanent construction.
Il Parco dei Melograni exemplifies the concept of temporary reuse, activating and developing underutilized land into socially productive areas. This approach aligns with broader trends in public space development in Italy and Europe, where temporary reuse serves as a low-cost, flexible strategy to revive urban spaces with community-driven input, often integrating local nature and cultural identity as a basis for activation.
The park's functions are identified by the local community and are expected to evolve over time. Future developments include a multi-purpose sports field and obstacle courses for children. The mission statement of Fondazione Dallara for the project is: "Each of us is like a pomegranate seed, both individual and inseparable from the others."
Beyond its practical uses, Il Parco dei Melograni also hosts cultural events and is available to schools, fostering sharing and relationships among its inhabitants. The park, despite being a common good, has become more than just a public space; it is a symbol of community spirit and a testament to the power of collaboration and temporary reuse in revitalizing urban spaces.
[1] For more information on a similar project, the Don Bosco Courtyard in Bari, Italy, which focuses on public space regeneration through urban reforestation and community engagement, please refer to the provided sources. However, the direct, project-specific details about Il Parco dei Melograni's temporary reutilization remain to be supplemented from local or project-specific sources.
[1] Working together to transform underutilized land, Il Parco dei Melograni serves as a prime example of home-and-garden projects that enrich lifestyle, fostering community spirit in the heart of Varano de' Melegari.
[2] The multi-purpose park, accessible to all, offers a variety of work opportunities for residents and visitors, including cultural events, social gardens, and play areas, ultimately aiming to unite its inhabitants and promote unity.
