The Feltrinelli beach in Desenzano del Garda, famous for being a landmark for the city’s residents in recent decades, appears to be heading towards its definitive closure. The construction works for the new lakeside promenade, which involve widening the Desenzanino river and removing the beach, will begin at the end of the tourist season.
Initially scheduled for last autumn, the works were postponed due to bureaucratic complications. This has resulted in an additional summer season for Feltrinelli beach and an extension of the concession for Margy Beach, managed by Margherita Torelli. Torelli has launched a petition among citizens to try to save her business, which has been present on Feltrinelli beach for over 30 years. She has also proposed relocating the business to an area near the lake.
However, not everyone is in favor of the closure of Feltrinelli beach. Many citizens have expressed their dissent regarding the removal of this small but historic Desenzano beach. For many generations, it has been a symbol of summers spent in the city in the last century.
The project involves removing Feltrinelli beach to make way for the new lakeside promenade, an intervention that will cost 3.7 million euros and will involve the stretch from via delle Rive to the via Gramsci roundabout. Here, a cycle path, a wide walkway, and a green area of about 4 meters will be created. The only structure that will remain is the pier, which will undergo a restoration.
Despite the protests of citizens and the affection that many have for Feltrinelli beach, it seems that the fate of the beach is now sealed. With the start of the construction works for the new lakeside promenade, this historic beach is preparing to definitively close its doors after many years of activity.