This public park was established in 1974 – exactly 40 years ago – on the initiative of Italia Nostra: an association that – for more than 50 years – has been spreading the “ culture of preservation” of rural and urban landscape, city monuments and environment.
During the 70s, Italia Nostra thought about an ambitious project: to create an immense green area for the citizens. Indeed, this represents the first example of urban forestation in Italy: there are woods, clearings, water streams and urban gardens. An ancient farmstead (more than 600 years old!) as its operations centre where you can gather all necessary information to enjoy the park at the very best and know something more about all the mysteries of nature…
Lets hear a bit on how this was built… In 1974 (when your parents probably were very small!) Italia Nostra asked the municipality of Milan for an untilled farmland in the eastern outskirts of Milan (looking at the map, on your left!) including an old, abandoned farmhouse. The great idea was to establish a wood inside the urban fabric, thus involving all the citizens. Thousands of volunteers sympathized with this unique event and lend a hand in creating the park.
Schools, associations, citizens and members of Italia Nostra took part in the planting days and greenery care. Besides tree planting, people started planning new countryside paths, a pond, a library and most importantly, a collaboration between the park and Milanese schools started!
Today the park is beautiful and rich in water: the resurgences crossing it intertwine, thus creating a small pond that contributed to improve the microclimate and to help the development of both water and terrestrial flora and fauna.
Whether you already know the park or not, the most important thing to know is that in this green lung you can run, play games and sport, take your dog for a run in the biggest dog area in Milan, cycle and even ride a horse! Furthermore, the old farmhouse is not only the park meeting point, but also a place where you can organize BBQs, parties and feasts!
If in May or June you want to cycle around the park but you have left your bike at the countryside, don’t worry… Just call – from Monday to Friday – and you can rent as many bikes as you wish! Here you can also find many didactic and recreational activities suitable for you, grwon-ups and for your grandparents as well!
We advise you to visit CFU (Centro Forestazione Urbana – Urban Afforestation Centre) website, have a look at the events calendar and choose the one you like the most! Some events such as Festa dei Falò di Sant’Antonio (St. Anthony bonfires Feast) in January, Festa dell’uva (Grape Day) and Festa degli anziani (Elderly Day) occur every year. You will also find other initiatives like a night tour of the park to discover fireflies and nocturnal animals… What a great adventure! www.cfu.it.
Otherwise, if you prefer not to make plans in advance the park can offer you great spaces and stunning views to enjoy, without necessarily think about doing something… Just remember that if you want to take a day off and have a nice picnic, take your packed lunch, a travelling rug and a good friend… Everything you need to enjoy your time!
USEFUL INFORMATION
Opening times:
Open in December and January from 8.30am till 5pm
Open in February from 7.30am till 6.30pm
Open in March from 7.30am till 7pm
Open from April to September from 7.30am till 8pm
Open in November from 7.30am till 5.30pm
how to get there:
tube line M1 De Angeli : from De Angeli stop take the bus 72 (terminal), get off at San Romanello-Novara stop and at the traffic lights cross Via Novara and enter the park from the gate at street number 392.
