Benches, tables, outdoor exercise equipment: they are all made of recycled plastic. It is a message that combines social inclusion, health and respect for the environment that was launched few days ago on the 7.5-kilometre cycle-pedestrian path that, along the Tione river, links the town of Villafranca di Verona with the Fontanin water resurgence between Villafranca and Povegliano in the province of Verona. It is the first ‘Sentiero dei Campioni’ in the Veronese territory, created by the American consumer goods multinational Procter & Gamble in collaboration with the French hypermarket chain Carrefour, and with the technical support of AzzeroCO2 (a sustainability and energy consulting company founded in 2004 by Legambiente and Kyoto Club) and the participation of Corepla, the National Consortium for the collection and recycling of plastic packaging.
The trail’s starting point was set in the solidarity fruit and vegetable garden of the Gardafarm social farm, which is committed to the rehabilitation of people in difficult situations by involving them in agricultural activities. Along the path, frequented all year round by walkers, runners and cyclists, five stops have been created, each marked by a panel inviting them to perform simple exercises, called Breathing, Belvedere, Forest, Movement and Water. The stops are also designed to be used by people with disabilities. The stations are also intended as points ‘to get in touch with oneself and nature’.
This type of trail is inspired by the Kalipè trail, created by Italian TV presenter and writer Massimiliano Ossini and Dr Antonella Carrozzo, which is based on walking at a short, slow pace.
