Exploring Parco Forlanini: A Vast Urban Green Space in the Heart of Milan's Municipio 4

A Key Urban Park in Eastern Milan

Parco Forlanini is one of the largest urban parks in Milan, located in the eastern sector of the city within the Forlanini neighborhood, part of Municipio 4. Covering approximately 235 hectares, the park stretches from the city's outer ring road (Tangenziale Est) to the Lambro River and is bordered by Via Corelli and Via Cavriana. It serves as a vital green buffer between densely built-up areas and Milan Linate Airport. The park is easily accessible by public transportation, including buses and the nearby Forlanini FS suburban railway stop.

Named after the renowned Italian aviation pioneer Enrico Forlanini, the park was designed in the 1970s as a response to growing demands for public green spaces in Milan. It was conceived as a multifunctional area where urban dwellers could experience nature without leaving the city. Since then, Parco Forlanini has evolved into a beloved spot for joggers, cyclists, families, and nature lovers seeking tranquility away from Milan's busy streets.

Despite its proximity to the airport, the park offers quiet zones where visitors can enjoy open meadows, wooded paths, and agricultural fields. Its large scale and diverse landscape make it one of the city's most significant green assets, both environmentally and socially.

Landscape, Biodiversity, and Ecological Importance

Parco Forlanini is characterized by a varied natural environment, including open grassy fields, rows of poplars, willows, and elms, and small wetland areas fed by the Lambro River and the artificial Canale della Martesana. The park plays an important ecological role by acting as a green corridor between different habitats in eastern Milan. It supports diverse wildlife species such as hedgehogs, hares, foxes, and numerous bird species including herons and kingfishers.

The park's design incorporates both natural and man-made features, such as artificial ponds, pedestrian and cycling paths, and sections of agricultural land used for educational and community farming purposes. Small farms and cascine (traditional rural buildings) remain in use within the park and contribute to the park's countryside feel, despite being located just a few kilometers from Milan's city center.

Biodiversity in the park is continuously monitored and protected by Milan's municipal environmental department. Native plant restoration and tree planting initiatives have been implemented over the past two decades to counteract the effects of urbanization and pollution. These efforts have helped preserve the park's ecological function and offer residents a rare chance to connect with Milan's natural heritage.

Community Use and Recreation

Parco Forlanini is widely used by residents of Municipio 4 and surrounding areas for recreational activities. The park features a well-maintained cycling path that connects to other parts of Milan's greenway network, as well as multiple trails suitable for walking, running, or Nordic walking. These paths wind through varied landscapes, offering both shaded and open routes for all levels of fitness.

Open spaces within the park are popular for picnicking, informal sports, and dog walking. Unlike more ornamental central parks like Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, Forlanini Park maintains a semi-wild character that appeals to those seeking a more rustic or natural setting. There are no fences enclosing the park, and its open design allows for spontaneous gatherings and free movement across zones.

While the park does not feature elaborate playgrounds or extensive sports facilities, its vastness accommodates informal play and social activities. In recent years, the city has proposed the installation of additional seating, lighting, and wayfinding signage to improve accessibility and usability, especially in peripheral areas near the Lambro River.

Integration with Mobility and Future Developments

Parco Forlanini is strategically located near Milan Linate Airport and the newly built M4 metro line, which improves connectivity from the city center to the Forlanini district. The Forlanini FS stop on the suburban railway line also provides convenient access from areas across the metropolitan region. This accessibility positions the park as a key green space not just for locals, but for all Milanese residents and visitors.

Urban development in the area around the park has been carefully managed to maintain the green buffer between residential zones and transportation infrastructure. However, ongoing pressure for new housing and transport upgrades has led to increased community engagement regarding how the park is protected and developed. Advocacy groups continue to monitor plans to ensure any changes prioritize ecological preservation and public benefit.

Future municipal plans for Parco Forlanini include enhancing its role as part of Milan's city-wide green infrastructure network. Projects such as extending the cycle path system, increasing biodiversity corridors, and linking with other eastern green spaces like Parco della Vettabbia are under evaluation. These plans reflect a broader vision of sustainable urban development grounded in environmental stewardship.

A Valuable Urban Resource in the Heart of Municipio 4

Parco Forlanini is not only a green lung for the Forlanini neighborhood but also a vital part of Milan's collective identity as a city that values livability and access to nature. It provides everyday escape for joggers and cyclists, a weekend retreat for families, and an educational space for schools and environmental groups. Its agricultural roots and proximity to historic cascine also preserve the connection to Milan's rural past, even within the city limits.

Unlike more famous parks in the city center, Parco Forlanini offers a quiet, expansive atmosphere ideal for unwinding or exploring. Its less-manicured design and open layout provide a contrast to more formal urban green spaces and support a broad range of informal uses. This flexibility has helped the park remain relevant and cherished across generations.

As Milan continues to evolve, Parco Forlanini stands as an example of how thoughtful planning and natural preservation can enhance urban life. Its continued protection and improvement depend on community involvement, responsible urban policy, and recognition of the vital role that large-scale green spaces play in the health and well-being of urban populations.