Green Renewal in the Southwest: Parco Teramo in the Barona Neighborhood of Municipio 6, Milan

A Green Space Shaped by Urban Transformation

Parco Teramo is one of the largest and most emblematic green spaces in the Barona neighborhood, part of Municipio 6 in Milan, which also includes Lorenteggio. Situated in the southwestern sector of the city, Barona is historically characterized by working-class housing, industrial heritage, and wide tracts of open land, some of which have been gradually converted into public parks. Parco Teramo exemplifies this transformation, emerging from a partially abandoned area into a community-centered green zone that blends recreation, ecology, and social engagement.

The park is located between Via Teramo and Via Ovada, close to the extensive public housing developments of Barona. The land where the park now sits was previously underused and fragmented, with portions covered in overgrowth and rubble from incomplete postwar urban development. Over time, local civic groups and city authorities worked together to reimagine the area as a public asset. While not yet fully developed into a landscaped park in the classical sense, Parco Teramo has become a vital open-air space for Barona's residents.

Unlike more formal parks in central Milan, Parco Teramo retains an open and organic layout. Portions of the area are grassy meadows, others semi-wooded, and still others function as informal football pitches or walking trails. This patchwork style reflects the community-driven nature of its evolution, as much of the park's structure has been shaped by grassroots efforts and incremental public investment rather than a single, top-down design.

Ecological Characteristics and Biodiversity

Parco Teramo is notable for its semi-natural character, which supports a variety of plant and animal life that might not thrive in more manicured urban parks. The open fields are home to native grasses, shrubs, and trees that have either grown spontaneously or been selectively planted through reforestation projects. Birdwatchers have reported sightings of various species, including kestrels, swallows, and green woodpeckers, while smaller mammals and insects also benefit from the relatively undisturbed habitats.

In recent years, environmental organizations and local schools have collaborated to conduct small-scale biodiversity surveys and promote environmental education within the park. Some areas have been designated for low-impact ecological gardening, allowing native plants to flourish while engaging residents in stewardship activities. These efforts have been aligned with Milan's broader ecological network strategy, which seeks to strengthen green corridors across the city and improve climate resilience through natural solutions.

One of the park's unique features is the gradual rewilding of certain sections. Rather than replacing existing vegetation with ornamental landscaping, many parts of Parco Teramo have been allowed to grow with minimal intervention. This approach supports pollinators, improves air quality, and provides a more sustainable and cost-effective model for managing public green space. The contrast between wild patches and human-used areas reflects the park's dual role as both an ecological zone and a community gathering place.

Recreational Uses and Community Engagement

Parco Teramo serves as a valuable recreational resource for the densely populated Barona neighborhood, particularly for residents of surrounding public housing. The park is regularly used for walking, jogging, cycling, and informal sports. Open spaces within the park are often converted into makeshift football fields, where young people gather in the afternoons and on weekends. While the park does not yet have permanent sports infrastructure, its large open areas support spontaneous and inclusive physical activity.

Community events occasionally take place in the park, often organized by local associations or neighborhood committees. These range from environmental clean-up days and gardening workshops to outdoor performances and neighborhood festivals. Such events foster a sense of ownership among residents and help reduce the isolation that can arise in peripheral districts like Barona. Even without extensive facilities, the park's openness and accessibility make it an ideal setting for grassroots civic initiatives.

Local residents have also advocated for incremental improvements to Parco Teramo, such as installing benches, trash bins, and lighting. In response, the Municipio 6 administration has allocated limited but targeted resources for park maintenance and equipment. Public participation has been central to this process, with community surveys and neighborhood assemblies informing the prioritization of enhancements. This model of development—slow but collaborative—has helped align the park with local needs and values.

Challenges and Future Planning

Despite its growing popularity, Parco Teramo faces several challenges that stem from its incomplete development and limited infrastructure. Parts of the park remain under-maintained, with issues such as overgrown paths, illegal dumping, and limited nighttime visibility. These problems have occasionally led to safety concerns, particularly for women and elderly residents using the park during off-peak hours. Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for better lighting, clearer signage, and increased municipal attention to safety and upkeep.

A broader concern involves balancing ecological preservation with recreational demands. Some residents favor increased landscaping and structured playgrounds, while others argue for keeping the park's natural features intact. This tension reflects the diverse priorities within the community and the evolving role of urban green space in a city like Milan, where both climate adaptation and social inclusion are pressing concerns.

In response, Parco Teramo has been included in long-term municipal planning strategies. The city's environmental plan proposes to further integrate the park into Milan's network of urban green areas by establishing safe pedestrian and cycling connections to nearby zones, including Parco Baravalle and the Navigli green corridor. While no major redevelopment has been announced, the inclusion of Parco Teramo in planning documents signals a recognition of its strategic and social importance in the southwestern sector of the city.

A Neighborhood Park with Citywide Relevance

Parco Teramo may not have the visibility of Milan's central parks, but its impact on the daily lives of Barona's residents is profound. As a flexible, multifunctional green space, it addresses several urban needs simultaneously: recreation, ecological sustainability, community building, and environmental education. Its evolution demonstrates how underused urban land can be transformed through civic engagement, responsive governance, and ecological awareness.

The park's continued development offers valuable lessons for Milan and other cities seeking to improve livability in peripheral neighborhoods. Rather than imposing top-down design solutions, Parco Teramo reflects a bottom-up approach that prioritizes local voices and adapts over time. It serves as a living case study in the power of community-led urban regeneration in areas historically underserved by large-scale investment.

As Milan works to expand its green infrastructure and address climate challenges, spaces like Parco Teramo will play an increasingly important role. Their success depends not only on funding and planning, but on sustaining the neighborhood-level relationships that give these parks life and purpose. In this sense, Parco Teramo stands not just as a park, but as a civic achievement rooted in Barona's resilience and identity.