The municipal administration of Viareggio collects opinions and suggestions on the future of the city: in fact there is still time until May 30th to fill in the questionnaires activated to collect the voices of the Viareggio community in view of the meetings open to the public of the participatory processan integral part of the process that will lead to the drafting of the new structural plan.
“An active listening initiative – comments the councilor Federico Pierucci – which we care a lot about and which aims to involve all age groups, from young people under 14 to adults over 30, to build together a structural plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire community”.
In the meantime, a first partial summary of the results was prepared, which represents an initial basis for reflecting on the evaluation and vision contributions of the city.
The questionnaire PS Viareggio – Over 30 collected demographic information and lifestyle habits of individuals over the age of 30 residing in Viareggio. The participants were mainly from aged between 46 and 60 years, representing 39.1% of the total sample. The majority of respondents spent their childhood in Viareggio (68.2%) and have always lived in the city (61.3%).
The habits relating to free time show that during the week, 59.4% of those interviewed spend most of their free time within the Viareggio area, while at the weekend this percentage increases to 64.6%. This figure reflects a strong propensity to remain within the local community on both working days and weekends.
As for the participation to community life, 52.1% of respondents stated that they do not participate in community activities. However, a significant part (27.8%) frequents public initiatives or meeting spaces, 10.7% collaborates in the organization of activities or the development of projects, and 9.4% is involved in voluntary activities.
The perception of Viareggio varies among respondents. Some define it as a city different from the others or the nautical capital, while others see it as a city abandoned to itself or a permanent holiday location. The main challenges identified concern environmental sustainability, urban regeneration, sustainable mobility, safety, infrastructure and public services, and the strengthening of cultural identity and sense of community. The vision of a cohesive urban fabric, where neighborhood relationships are strengthened and community life is enriched, emerges as a shared goal.
As for the under 30however, it emerged that during the week, the majority of young people spends their free time mainly at home, either their own or that of friends (52.07%). Only a smaller part, 26.45%, spends their free time outside the home within the municipal territory, while 12.4% prefer to move outside the municipality. During the weekend, however, there is an increase in time spent away from home, with 55.37% remaining within the Viareggio area, demonstrating a greater desire for socialization and participation in local activities on the weekend.
There participation in community life is rather limited: 76.86% of young people do not participate in community activities. Only a minority frequents public initiatives or meeting spaces (6.61%), collaborates in the organization of activities or projects (3.31%) or is involved in voluntary activities (13.22%).
There Stroll it is a much appreciated meeting point for walks, relaxation and meetings, while bars and clubs are chosen for socialising. The library is a place of study and reading, and the sports fields are used for physical activities and training. Other places mentioned include the pier, the beaches and the sea, the Pineta di Ponente, the market and the cinema, which represent spaces for recreational and cultural activities.
The Carnival and the Rioni are events widely attended by young people, as are cultural, sporting, musical and theatrical events. However, 63.64% declare that they do not regularly participate in activities or initiatives.
Personal definitions of Viareggio vary: some see it as the city of Carnival or the nautical capital, others consider it a tourist resort or a seaside city. Ideas for making Viareggio more “youth-friendly” include increasing meeting spaces: the combination of sport and music is seen as an opportunity to create a dynamic and attractive atmosphere.
During the week, under 14s spend their free time mainly at home, their own or that of friends, with a percentage of 48.98%. A significant part spends time outside the home, mainly in the area where they live (10.2%) or in the municipal area (24.49%). At the weekend, the tendency to go out increases, with 41.41% spending their free time within the municipal area, while 19.19% move outside the municipality.
The majority (87.88%) indicated that they willingly frequent various spaces and places in Viareggio. Among these, the Promenade is the favorite place to spend free time, followed by the beach and the sea, especially in the summer months. The pine forests, in particular the Pineta di Ponente and di Levante, are appreciated for outdoor activities. Parks, public gardens, the city centre, oratories and sports centers are other areas frequently mentioned for games, meetings with friends and sporting activities.
Also in this case the Carnival it is the most cited and experienced event with enthusiasm, followed by sporting events, concerts, shows and activities organized by the speakers.
Personal definitions of Viareggio vary, highlighting aspects of various kinds: among the advantages are the proximity to the sea, the open spaces and nature, the tranquility and variety of the landscape, which combines sea and mountains.
The requests the most recurring ones concern the need to sidewalks and cycle paths suitable for everyone, which are “larger, more colorful and better furnished with lights and benches”, to create a more hospitable urban environment. Boys and girls strongly feel the need to have spaces where they can practice sports, move freely and give free rein to their ideas and energies.
“In the next live meetings, we will discuss topics such as civic well-being, innovation with everything relating to new technologies, the ecological transition, but also culture and hospitality – concludes councilor Pierucci -: topics that offer a framework overall number of issues to be addressed, some of a tactical nature, others strategic. Maximum attention for our city is transversal to everyone, which must be beautiful to live in and attractive to visit”.
For further information, a dedicated web page is active on the website of the Municipality of Viareggio.
