by InTrieste
A new outdoor basketball court has opened at the historic Villa Cosulich Garden in Trieste, expanding recreational facilities for young residents through a project funded by a private donor.
City officials formally unveiled the single-hoop court on Monday during a ceremony attended by local administrators, municipal staff, designers and representatives of the construction company that completed the work. Covering approximately 100 square meters, the court is part of a broader effort to enhance public spaces while preserving the character of the historic park.
The project was made possible after the Trieste City Council accepted a donation from a private individual, who proposed creating a dedicated area for sports and recreation within the garden. The municipal government approved the necessary administrative procedures in late 2023, with the final version of the project receiving approval in January 2026 following design revisions.
The court is located near the garden’s main entrance along Strada del Friuli, on a flat section of the park that was already free of trees. The remaining space has been upgraded with the addition of a table tennis table positioned at a safe distance from a historic well.
Designed to blend with its surroundings, the basketball court features a permeable green rubber surface with white court markings and is enclosed by a green protective fence intended to contain play while minimizing its visual impact within the historic landscape.
City officials said the new facilities are intended to create an additional gathering place for children and teenagers, complementing the recreational amenities already available in Villa Cosulich Garden. They also credited the collaboration among the private donor, project designers, contractors and municipal technical staff for delivering a facility that balances public use with the preservation of the site’s historical setting.
