Inside the Istituto Comprensivo Nord in Prato, an existing sports field has recently been transformed into a renovated playground, designed to respond more effectively to the needs of students and the local community. The intervention is part of the “RiqualifichiAMO” project, an initiative by Pistoia Basket 2000 aimed at enhancing urban sports spaces through targeted actions, with the goal of improving surface quality and encouraging more consistent and conscious use of dedicated sports areas.
The work significantly affected the playing surface, a key element in ensuring adequate performance, safety, and comfort during sporting activity. The redevelopment included new line markings and an overall upgrade of the area, with a layout designed to support multiple disciplines. The court was in fact redesigned not only for basketball but also for other activities, increasing the versatility of the space and making it suitable for broader, more dynamic, and continuous use throughout the day.
The initiative was made possible thanks to the support of main sponsor Lumos and the technical collaboration of partner company Joker Floors, which handled the operational and structural aspects of the intervention. This joint effort made it possible to return to students a completely renewed space, functional and above all designed to encourage sports activities and moments of social interaction.
The intervention also included the installation of new backboards, the repainting of playing lines, and the addition of a symbolic logo dedicated to inclusion at the center of the court. The result is a renewed space designed to promote inclusion, meeting, and sharing, fully consistent with the project’s vision: to return to the community more accessible, safe, and welcoming sports environments.
Beyond the technical aspects, the project also carries important social value. The playground is intended for students during school hours but has been designed to be used also outside of educational activities. This openness allows the space to be returned to the neighborhood, providing an accessible area that fosters social interaction and promotes an active lifestyle. The possibility of free use helps strengthen the connection between school and community, turning the area into a reference point for young people, families, and sports enthusiasts.
Another relevant aspect concerns the project’s ability to optimize the use of available space. The multifunctional configuration increases the court’s usage hours throughout the day, making it suitable for different types of activities and user groups. This approach responds to a growing need in urban areas, where access to sports facilities is often limited and requires flexible, efficient design solutions focused on maximum usability.
Redeveloping without overhauling
The playground created in Prato therefore represents a concrete example of how it is possible to intervene in a targeted way on existing structures to improve their functionality and overall quality. The combination of attention to the surface, spatial organization, and openness to the community leads to a balanced result, capable of addressing both technical and social needs.
This type of intervention shows how the redevelopment of sports facilities can become an effective tool for enhancing the territory, promoting sports practice, and improving the livability of urban spaces. Investing in the quality of surfaces and in spatial design means creating safer, more accessible, and longer-lasting places, capable of generating a positive long-term impact and supporting a more widespread and inclusive sports culture.
