Taranto unveils Salinella Urban Park ahead of 2026 Mediterranean Games

The Salinella Urban Park in Taranto was officially inaugurated, marking a key milestone in the city's preparation for the 2026 Mediterranean Games. The €5 million project transformed a long‑neglected area into a multifunctional sports and leisure complex featuring skate‑boarding, padel and tennis courts, a children’s playground, an agility park for pets, and a clubhouse with services. Located opposite the Erasmo Iacovone stadium, the park is the first major facility completed under the Games‑related urban renewal programme.

Mayor Piero Bitetti described the park as “a small jewel” that will generate new opportunities for growth, development and sports tourism after the Games. Public works assessor Lucio Lonoce highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project, while Deputy Mayor Mattia Giorno noted it as the first genuine work finished in the Games programme. Ongoing works include final paving and additional hydro‑geological safety measures around the sports installations.