Pisa Pastoral Council calls for community input on Via Maccatella basketball court

The San Biagio in Cisanello Pastoral Council in Pisa has issued a statement regarding the proposed construction of a new basketball court on Via Maccatella. The Council is calling for greater community engagement and a stronger emphasis on environmental protection during the planning process.

Rather than viewing the project solely as a sports facility, the Council envisions the area as an intergenerational space for social interaction and community growth. They emphasize that the project should foster daily social connections among children, parents, and seniors.

Drawing on principles from Pope Francis’s encyclical ‘Laudato si’’, the Council argues that urban design must prioritize quality of life and harmony with the environment over mere aesthetic beauty. They advocate for a planning process that includes the perspectives of local residents to ensure the space serves the community's needs and preserves the local landscape.