CATANIA – “If we sat in a wheelchair for a day going around the places in Catania we would realize that it is not accessible to everyone, including some places of worship, especially those with large staircases”. Cutting the ribbon of Beteyà Park, the inclusive adventure park nestled among the trees of Plaia, Archbishop Luigi Renna did not miss the opportunity to remember that “there is still a lot to do” to achieve the goal of a city with disabled person measure.
The park was inaugurated in the Don Bosco Colony. “It is for everyone,” highlighted Agostino Sella, president of Don Bosco 2000, the leading company of Tourability, “we have created six routes with different levels of difficulty, there are accessible walkways, a route dedicated to people with disabilities, a climbing wall and a tree village for children, so that everyone can experience an adventure immersed in nature. Entrance for people with disabilities will be free for the first 3,000 visitors, and will then be subject to a fee. We are encouraging change in an area that is very popular for tourism, offering experiences and opportunities for leisure without barriers.”
Beteyà Park is part of the project financed by the Family Department of the Sicilian Region and by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers to expand the offer of accessible tourism on the island. The adaptation of 10 beaches has already been started which will be able to guarantee access to the sea for all (along Plaia a Catania at Lido America, Colonia Don Bosco, Lido le Palme, Lido Polifemo and Lido Sablè Sale e on the coast of Mondello in Palermo at Lido Sirenetta, Lido Acqua Marina, in the two Lidi dell’Ombelico Del Mondo, Mondello MIA).
“In Sicily, more than 150 inclusive playgrounds have been funded,” explained Maria Letizia Di Liberti, regional director of the Department of Family and Social Policies. “The Plaia in Catania is a big step forward for the accessibility of the island, it is large and complete, an equipped area close to a beach open to the sea.”
