Visitors to Parco San Valentino in Pordenone, Italy, can walk up a ramp to get a view over the playground area. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
As springtime weather begins to grace northern Italy, residents in the vicinity of Aviano Air Base might be looking for ways to explore the great outdoors.
For those who want to avoid a long drive or keep costs down, Pordenone offers multiple green spaces that are easy to overlook.
The largest and most popular is Parco San Valentino, a busy hub for locals. On weekends, joggers and cyclists share the paths with families pushing strollers and dog walkers.
Next to a small lake, a cafe is open daily for lunch, with drinks and snacks available when the kitchen is closed. Nearby, a playground can keep young children occupied, with a wooded area separating it from a large open field used for events and concerts.
A cafe at Parco San Valentino in Pordenone, Italy, was a busy place on a recent weekend day. The park, located about 20 minutes from Aviano Air Base, can be a good place for people watching. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Children climb on a metal and rope contraption at Parco San Valentino in Pordenone, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Parco San Valentino in Pordenone, Italy, isn't really big enough to get lost easily. But there are a few maps to help those not familiar with the park to find their way to specific destinations. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
During my recent excursion there, I saw people taking a class on potting bonsai plants.
The park is just a few minutes’ walk or bike from downtown, and judging from passersby is often part of longer walking or cycling circuits through the city.
Two other parks a bit farther away are nonetheless convenient places to seek leisure activities.
Martyrs of the Foibe Park, also known as Parco dei Laghetti di Rorai, is located in the suburb of Rorai Grande. The park features four ponds, a handful of short paths, a small playground for the kids and a fenced area where dogs can roam off-leash.
Parco dei Laghetti di Rorai, on the outskirts of Pordenone, Italy, contains four ponds and a small playground area. But likely the biggest attraction of the park is a small fenced-off area for dogs to roam around without leashes. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Americans stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy, can learn how to kayak by joining an Italian club at Lago della Burida in Porcia, Italy, a 20-minute drive from the base. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Those interested in getting out on the water instead of just looking at it can do so by joining an Italian club at Lago Della Burida in Porcia, Italy — just a short distance from downtown Pordenone. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes)
Just minutes away, Lago della Burida is the largest body of water in greater Pordenone. While there’s limited space for biking or walking, the site includes a small park with a picnic area and playground for younger children.
Swimming isn’t allowed and there’s no beach, but most days visitors can rent kayaks or other small watercraft. Doing so requires joining a local club, with a 15-euro fee that includes an introductory lesson.
Those already proficient can rent equipment at a lower cost. The club also hosts regattas and other events.
Those who go through the course might want to try to use their new skills at a place a bit farther away the next time they decide to take a longer car ride and open up their wallets.
On the QT
Hours: During daylight year-round.
Cost: Free admission. It costs 15 euros per person to rent a watercraft for the first time at Lago Burida.
Info: www.comune.pordenone.it
