New playground inaugurated on Via Collecchio in Milan: CityLife and SmartCityLife continue their commitment to enhancing public spaces in Municipio 8
Following yesterday afternoon’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, the new Iqbal Masih playground on Via Collecchio is now officially open to the public. The area has undergone a major redevelopment carried out by SmartCityLife. The project forms part of a broader initiative to enhance public spaces across Municipio 8, which also includes the creation of the new urban gardens on Via Donadoni and Via Pogatschnig, promoted by CityLife.
The inauguration was attended by Roberto Russo, CEO of SmartCityLife; Giulia Pelucchi, President of Municipio 8 of the Municipality of Milan; Fabio Galesi, Vice President and Councillor for Green Spaces and Environment, Public Works, Safety, Housing and Animal Welfare; and Giulio Arnoldi, Founder and Sole Director of Hw Style srl.
Located between Via Collecchio and Via Boine, the playground has been completely redesigned to provide children and families with an inclusive, safe and accessible space dedicated to play, social interaction and outdoor activities.
The redevelopment covered an area of approximately 1,200 square metres and included the complete replacement of the existing equipment with new facilities designed to support the play and development of children of different age groups. The project features a multifunctional play structure with slides and climbing elements for children aged 5 to 12, spring riders and seesaws for younger children, as well as two swing areas designed for different age groups. Among the new installations is an inclusive swing seat, specifically designed to ensure that children with different abilities can fully enjoy the space. The project also included new impact-absorbing flooring, upgraded rest areas and the replacement of the wooden perimeter fence.
Particular attention was also paid to the environmental aspects of the project. Construction works were carried out while preserving the existing trees, a key feature of the site, and included the recovery and reuse of part of the existing paving, in line with sustainability principles and waste reduction practices.
The inauguration of the new playground represents one of the latest initiatives delivered for the benefit of the local community. It complements the new urban gardens on Via Donadoni and Via Pogatschnig, two projects that help expand spaces dedicated to community participation, biodiversity and social interaction within Municipio 8.
The Via Donadoni urban garden, already open and assigned to residents through a municipal public call, covers approximately 1,170 square metres and includes cultivation plots, a pergola for shared activities, fruit trees, aromatic herbs and berry plants. The Via Pogatschnig urban garden, covering approximately 1,116 square metres, has been completed and is awaiting handover by the Municipality. It will enhance an area of particular landscape value through new planting and initiatives dedicated to urban biodiversity.
“These projects are a tangible expression of the way we see public space: creating places that are accessible, inclusive and capable of generating value for the community,” commented Roberto Russo, CEO of SmartCityLife. “Playgrounds, community gardens and green spaces are not simply elements of urban design—they are places where people meet, connect and participate, helping to improve quality of life. It is a commitment that goes beyond the boundaries of CityLife, and one that we want to continue putting at the service of the city.”
“We are delighted to return a fully redeveloped area to the neighbourhood,” said Giulia Pelucchi, President of Municipio 8 of the Municipality of Milan. “Our fruitful collaboration with CityLife continues, contributing to the enhancement of public spaces through numerous projects across our district, beyond the scope of its own development plan.”
About SmartCityLife
SmartCityLife Srl was established to maintain and manage the park and public areas of the CityLife district. Its shareholders are CityLife S.p.A., Generali Real Estate and Allianz, owners of the properties within the Piazza Tre Torri business district. SmartCityLife Srl builds on the in-depth knowledge of the neighbourhood acquired by CityLife S.p.A., the developer of the district since 2006, and on a governance model based on effective collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The company’s mission goes beyond maintaining and managing the park. Its ambition is to become a laboratory for innovation and smart cities, helping to build one of Europe’s leading communities through the implementation of new technologies integrated with a digital platform. These solutions are designed to further enhance the experience of everyone using the district while delivering benefits in terms of quality of life and environmental and social sustainability. To encourage a smarter way of experiencing the neighbourhood, the SmartCityLife App has been developed, enabling users to explore the entire district and stay up to date with events and much more.
For further information: Spencer & Lewis for CityLife.
