The new plaque for the 100 years of the former Legnano Sanatorium “Regina Elena” has been inaugurated
Legnano – History is history, but the inauguration of the new plaque – to replace the existing one – al “Regina Elena” sanatorium, in the greenery of the Ex-Ila park in Legnano reminds us that we must look to tomorrow. Legnano in 2024 celebrates a double centenary: in fact, alongside the Royal Decree that gave it the title of city, there is another important anniversary for Legnano: the 100th anniversary of the former Sanatorium complex, inaugurated on 19 June 1924, in the presence of the Queen Mother, the Mayor Fabio Vignati and Carlo Jucker who wanted its construction for the treatment of tuberculosis patients.
An all-round structureavant-garde for its time, designed by engineers Giulio Barbin and Simone Rovedainside a large park, the Ex-Ila Park of Legnano, as also mentioned by Giulia Rossi, member of the Centenary Committee and active Volunteer Cicerone of Legnano, during a short walk to closely observe the redevelopment works at the Solarium which are progressing and which – weather permitting – should be completed in October this year: “the works do not want to reveal something new, they want to give new life to a place from the past that ended up being abandoned”.
Ila Park, which has always been a place of healing
The Ex-Ila park, with its 70 hectares of land, is located between the Ronchi forest and the former city hospital, a suitable place for the construction of the Sanatorium. “Since the time of the design of the structure- explains the municipal councilor with the delegation to the Ila Park Antonio Sassi – we wanted to give an answer to the health and social problems that were afflicting the city in those years. He grew up like this a plain sanatorium that everyone outside Legnano envied us.” “The Park today is the “house of associations”in fact since the 1970s it was renamed “Legnanese Assistance Institution” (ILA)upon its closure in the 1990s, the park took the name of “Ex-Ila”, since then numerous socio-health and welfare organizations have established themselves in the complex.
“Memory must help us think about the future – concludes Councilor Sassi– we must do more for this park, open it and work inside it, so that the city can return to populating the park, uniting with the organizations and communities dedicated to assisting the most vulnerable who work here”.
Identity and future in the new license plate
“This plaque is beautiful, because it reminds us of the history of our city and of a community that continues to grow in care. The plaque we are inaugurating today is a symbol of “identity and future”, let’s start from these places to build the future of our city”states the Mayor Radice attended the unveiling of the plaque, with him also Deputy Mayor Anna Pavan, with them also Felice Prisca, Vice President of the “Amici di Sonia” Association.
“Investing in the Ex-Ila Park, – continues the Mayor – investing in schools, investing in parks, libraries, the former Accorsi are all signs of a community that, like 100 years ago, has decided to invest in building places for the community, starting right from the Ila park where inside there are “pieces of community of care” who offer their daily commitment to everyone, without distinction”.
Jessica Urbani
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Jessica Urbani
Born and raised in Legnano, she was interested in the old tales of her city from an early age. By collaborating with the Sempione News editorial team, you can make this passion a daily reality.
