by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Michele Babuder, Trieste councilor for territorial policies; Silvio Pacor representative of the neighborhood
The city of Trieste has inaugurated a newly renovated playground in Giardino Antollovich, a neighborhood park on Via del Carpineto, as part of a broader initiative to upgrade the city’s green spaces. The project was officially opened this morning by Michele Babuder, Trieste’s Councillor for Territorial Policies, alongside local council representative Silvio Pahor and members of the city’s Public Green Service.
“The area used to be very popular until the playground equipment became obsolete,” Babuder said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Over time, vegetation began to take over, but today we’re pleased to return this space to the community after a complete redevelopment. The wooden structures have been replaced, the surface has been renewed with gravel, anti-shock materials, and colorful paving designed to ensure both safety and fun for children.”
According to Babuder, the revamped playground now includes equipment suitable for both younger children and those up to ten years old. Additional improvements include the restoration of the irrigation system, the repair of fencing around the nearby dog area, and the renewal of public lighting.
“This is one of three playgrounds identified by the Public Green Service for renovation,” Babuder added. “The others are in Villa Revoltella and Parco Farneto. In each case, the older wooden structures — worn down by time and humidity — are being replaced with more colorful and durable installations that will last longer and better serve families.”
Council representative Silvio Pahor, speaking on behalf of the president of the VII District Council, Laura Palutan, noted that the community has responded positively to the project. “Residents have welcomed the renovation with enthusiasm,” he said. “The garden has come back to life, the dog area is functioning well, and the surrounding streets are cleaner and better maintained. We’re grateful to the municipal administration for its commitment to improving our neighborhood.”
The Giardino Antollovich renovation is the first project completed under the city’s Extraordinary Playground Maintenance Plan 2024, a €200,000 initiative aimed at upgrading public play areas across Trieste. Approximately €150,000 was allocated specifically for the work at Antollovich.
The contract was carried out by Italian Garden S.r.l. of Arezzo, with a subcontract to Trieste-based AllGreen S.r.l. The new playground features galvanized and painted steel structures, polyethylene panels, four towers, three slides, and two new spring toys, complementing the existing basket and cage swings.
In addition to installing the new play equipment, the project reduced the park’s paved area to improve soil drainage, benefiting the garden’s mature trees and vegetation while enhancing overall environmental quality.
The next two playgrounds in the city’s renovation plan — Villa Revoltella and Parco Farneto — are scheduled for completion later this year.
