Dallara builds a park, incorporating citizen input throughout its design and construction process.
In the picturesque village of Varano de' Melegari, nestled in the Emiliano Apennines, a new gem has emerged - Il Parco dei Melograni. This park, now a vibrant hub of community life, was not just a dream but a collective effort by the town's residents.
The idea for Il Parco dei Melograni was sparked by Angelica Dallara, vice-president of the Dallara Foundation. Seeking a location for her social utility activities, she envisioned a space that would foster cultural, recreational, and ecological values, transforming a public space into a communal treasure.
The park's functions were identified based on the needs of the local community and will continue to evolve. Today, Il Parco dei Melograni serves as a community gathering place, offering a wooden amphitheater, social gardens for schools, a relaxation and play area, and more. Future plans include a multi-purpose sports field, obstacle courses for children, and a building for the Dallara Foundation.
The park's name, Il Parco dei Melograni, is a nod to the village's rich history. According to a local legend, Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, is said to have brought pomegranates to the Emiliano Apennines on his way to Rome. The pomegranate, symbolic of fertility and good fortune, remains a significant part of Varano de' Melegari's identity.
The creation of Il Parco dei Melograni was a community-identified project, conceived through meetings, workshops, and discussions. The park, a common good, was inaugurated with a grand celebration that involved the entire town and its 2,500 inhabitants. Since then, the park has become open not only to the locals but also to those who have come to work in the town.
The Dallara Foundation, with its mission statement, "Each of us is like a pomegranate seed, both individual and inseparable from the others," has played a crucial role in promoting this initiative. The foundation encourages a sense of shared responsibility and relationship within the park, making it a place where the community lives, works, and plays together.
As efforts are being made to regulate the usage of Il Parco dei Melograni, it remains a testament to the power of community spirit and collaboration. This park, born from the collective effort of Varano de' Melegari's residents, continues to evolve, serving as a cultural and social hub for events and gatherings.
For a more detailed narrative or history of Il Parco dei Melograni, we recommend consulting local sources or the municipality of Varano de' Melegari, which might have documented the park's creation story, the involvement of residents, and the timeline of its development.
The Dallara Foundation encourages community members to work together, fostering a lifestyle that values shared responsibility and collaboration, particularly within Il Parco dei Melograni, where home-and-garden spaces are designed for both recreation and relaxation. As the park continues to grow and evolve, offering facilities such as a sports field, children's obstacle courses, and a building for the foundation, it serves not only as a gathering place for locals but also for those who have chosen to work in the town.
