This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)

There is a new, zero-impact residential and commercial district in the north-west of Milan; it’s actually in the former Expo 2015 area of Cascina Merlata, near the districts of Roserio, Gallaratese, Musocco, and Pero. It includes a large 75-acre park created by EuroMilano, the real estate company that built the surrounding neighborhood.

This park was designed by landscape architects Giovanna Longo and Franco Giorgetta, then built by Peverelli, from Fino Mornasco (Como), and Gervasini, from Varese.

Cascina Merlata Park was named after the ancient Bosco della Merlata and from the very stream that flows nearby. The park can be found among via Pasolini, via Jona, and via Gallarate, while its entrance is on via Pier Paolo Pasolini 3: it’s actually the main access to the XIX century Merlata farmhouse which now houses different facilities for the locals, including the sale of agricultural products from local sources – between San Leonardo and Molino Dorino stops on MM1 Underground.

The park, which stretches from the farmhouse to the entrance of the former Expo area, has a strong naturalistic soul, with reminiscences of its agricultural past. It includes a long artificial canal, a true legacy of the fountains, and the ditches typical in the past centuries, as well as many different habitats, including flower meadows, grassy areas (never mowed), and wetlands to promote animal and plant biodiversity. Trees are abundant as well, with 40 species and some 3.500 specimens. They are most typical of the Po River Valley, like ashes, oaks, lindens, and willows, mixed with exotic but now naturalized species such as black locusts, and European nettle trees (Celtis australis). There are also some exotic plants, including tulip trees, sweetgum, Quercus coccinea, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, Gleditsia triacanthos, Koelreuteria paniculate, and Prunus.

Many birds live here (19 species), as well as butterflies (12 species), and dragonflies (10 species).
A special garden for butterflies is currently under construction using their favorite shrubs, butterfly bush, lavender, and broom.

The park also offers three children playgrounds, three dog areas, 6.2 miles of pedestrian trails, outdoor yoga classes, naturalistic workshops, and other activities related to nature.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)