The Parco della Gioia in Rome. A historic, green and inclusive oasis
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In the Magliana district, in Rome, a dream could materialize, the Parco della Gioia. In the populous district of the capital – known for the criminal events of the 70s, later transposed into various books and films – a green and accessible oasis has been designed, of possible archaeological interest.
Parco della Gioia, the oasis that was missing
The project of Green-Archeo-Edu-Park (see Attachment) was born from the idea of Dario Dongo, president of Égalité. With the idea of integrating biodiversity and sustainable development with the prospects for historical-archaeological development of the area, preserving every square centimeter of greenery.
The Roman architect Giancarlo Zema transposed the dream into a project enchanting, which has already garnered the support of numerous civil society organizations in the area and of the neighborhood committee, as well as the bipartisan support of various Councilors of the XI Town Hall.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH DARIO DONGO
History and beauty
The inclusive urban park it is intended to enhance an unused green area of almost 2 hectares between via Mancini and via dei Grottoni. An area of potential archaeological interest, as the researchers Stefania Nisio and Antonello Anappo explain. In fact, the possibility is being investigated presence of hypogea, hoping to find the catacombs and the early Christian basilica of San Felice.
Marco Placidi, Rome's underground
Beauty and inclusion these are the most conspicuous features of the first project idea. Three small tulip-shaped wind turbines are accompanied by photovoltaic panels to be installed on the noise barriers of the adjacent railway line which in a circular route serves the entire city and leads to the international airport of Fiumicino.
The CO2-eating paulownia
An accessible path made of bioplastic materials resting on the ground, it leads to social and educational gardens inspired by agroecology, accessible play areas and meeting places, also useful for artistic and laboratory activities, as well as an open-air theatre. In a logic of inclusion of the archaeologists themselves, where research may suggest the opening of excavations.
Upstream of the Parco della Gioia, on the side that gently rises towards an underground source, the small urban paulownia forest develops. A miraculous, non-weedy tree, capable of growing rapidly to consume CO2 and donate oxygen. The planting will take place with the support of Paulownia4all, an organization that collaborates with Égalité.
A great gift to the community
The installation of the Parco della Gioia will have to fulfill the promise inherent in its name. Offer the residents of a more populous neighborhood intensive farming – 35 people in 42 hectares, explains the lawyer Marco Filippetto of the Magliana neighborhood committee – a green lung close to the 'palazzopoli'.
A unique opportunity which was already taken up by the current councilor for urban planning of Rome Capital, Maurizio Veloccia. Who was president of the XI Town Hall and had a resolution approved by his council, in 2015, to extend the Ruspoli park to via dei Grottoni which, however, unfortunately failed to be followed up. And it finds relevance today.
Zero barriers
The Councilor for Town Planning of Town Hall XI, Alberto Belloni, shared with the Magliana District Committee and Égalité the opportunity to do everything possible to create the Parco della Gioia which will also be the first accessible park in Rome.
A crucial detail in a city where architectural barriers are ubiquitous and cause serious problems for the elderly, parents with strollers and people with disabilities, visible and not. Also in the nearby Marconi Park, unfortunately not accessible.
Town Hall XI among other things, he is finally preparing to draft the PEBA (Plan for the Elimination of Architectural Barriers), under the guidance of the Councilor for the Environment and Urban Greenery Daniela Gentili. We hope as soon as possible, together with the Parco della Gioia.
Marta Strinati
ATTACHMENTS. Il project e the first graphic elaborations.
