Soave Open Air

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Davide Personi, a VELUX employee living near Soave, played a key role in realising the project. Encouraged by a colleague, he decided to apply for funding from the Employee Foundation of the VKR Group. He worked closely with the municipality to define the project’s scope, draft the application, and ensure alignment with the foundation’s criteria.

In Davide’s words, “you can have great ideas, but you need financing.”

“The fact that we have a foundation that lets me carry out this initiative for my local community is something really great,” says David Personi, Channels Manager Officer, VELUX Italy.

Various citizen associations contributed ideas and perspectives, leading to the decision to create an urban forest park, a bike pump track, and a scenic trail. Dorte Jensen, Simonetta Scarmagnan, and Silvia Torneri from VELUX Italy collaborated with Davide and the Municipality throughout the project to bring this vision to life.

The Urban Forest Park
At the heart of the project is Parco dei Poeti, designed for accessibility and learning. The educational botanical garden takes visitors through the five inhabited continents, while outdoor gym equipment and information panels encourage active lifestyles. The park also hosts educational workshops and an open-air library, creating a space for both recreation and knowledge-sharing.

The Municipality has already organized informative talks, including one on climate change, inviting young people and students to participate in discussions.

The Bike Pump Track
The pump track, with its bends and humps, is designed for riders to navigate without pedaling, using body and bike movements. With around 150 children from the local cycling association, the track is a favorite, especially in summer. As a mountain biker, Davide tested it himself at the opening—though he admits to using the pedals a few times!

The Scenic Trail
The Vajo degli Alpini scenic trail connects history and nature, making it easier for tourists and hikers to reach Soave Castle. This iconic symbol of the town’s cultural heritage is now more accessible from the city center.

The trail marked the final step of the Soave Open Air project and was officially inaugurated on September 14th, with the city mayor leading the ceremony. Davide, along with colleagues and over 300 citizens, gathered to celebrate this achievement. With the project now complete, VELUX employees can enjoy these public spaces near the offices, embracing fresh air and outdoor activity—aligning with the Employee Foundation’s mission to promote well-being.

Project name: Town park in Soave 
Country, location: Italy, Soave 
Applicant: Municipality of Soave 
VKR Group company: VELUX Italia 
Inauguration date: 14 September 2024