Bosco delle Neofite: Prato's New Park Blends Art, Ecology, and Social Inclusion

Inaugurated in Prato, Italy, the Bosco delle Neofite is part of the Arte per la Riforestazione initiative under Le Città del Futuro, envisioned by Mario Cristiani and overseen by botanist Stefano Mancuso. Situated in the Tobbiana Allende district, which suffers from pollution, this park contributes to Prato Forest City. Following the planting of its first tree on October 4, 2023, it now boasts 150 trees and over 400 shrubs. Covering 7,500 square meters, the area captures 3,000 kg of CO₂ each year. Mayor Matteo Biffoni and Councillor Valerio Barberis highlighted its importance. Notably, the park features an olive tree from the Gardens of the Pontifical Villas. Cristiani also mentioned other projects by Associazione Arte Continua, such as Arte all'Arte, along with significant works by artists like Mimmo Paladino and Kiki Smith.