Parks and Rec In Italy

The parks and rec departments in Italy are legendary…but not perfect. Let’s talk about it.

They offer free childcare to anyone 3 and older until able to attend school. They also offer childcare for toddlers from age 18 months to 3 years to bridge this gap in care for working parents. This is growing in popularity in Italy and they have programs across the country. Not only does it guarentee safe care for children but it prioitizes lower income families that rely on returning to work.

In the public parks, they are maintained regularly with sweeping, trimming the weeds, and planting herbs for public use. They often have streets filled with fruit trees. Most people don’t pick the fruit but it is there for you if you need it. Public squares are often areas with a lot of seating and shade. They host free events and on occasion free medical screenings. They also offer free certifications like CPR and emergency response.

While some of the best features are those that are essentially built in to their public facilities, free wifi. Yes free public wifi. And free water. Drinking water and to shower in at the beach in summer. You can get water at public fountains year round and often water is free to lower income homes. If you conserve your water at a reasonable level, you may never pay for water. And that is water for your home not just drinking. It is also some of the cleanest water there is.

And I may sound like a commercial, but that’s not all! They also have benefits for those who are elderly or disabled, like discounted train tickets or free tickets to cultural events. You can go to the colosseum or the vatican for free if you are elderly or disabled. This also includes a support person and they offer you assistance as needed through the event.

There is even a general agreement of courtesy and care given to those that need it a little bit more. I am showing my age here: I have only seen the younger teen generations not give up their seat to an elderly person. I know I know…It is not all teenagers. But c’mon teenagers scare the living sh!t out of me. They are too volatile and their brains are firing to rapidly deleting possibly cruicial connections to their humanity. Ok that was dramatic…Most people are accomodating and welcoming, even some teenagers. I have often seen bus drivers get off the bus to help people on and make sure they are safe. People wait for you if you are late and don’t expect an excuse because they understand things might happen. Many times people extend courtesy when it seems like the right thing to do. And often times people will break the law if it means helping someone. Which I highly respect. I am never one to follow the law simply because it is laws. Maybe the law needs to be changed for the better.

Yes, I know. There are downsides to this too. But I am not talking about that today. That is for another day. And that time will come. But, let’s be positive right now and look to the better future we can have.

Thanks for reading,

Hope you have a great week!