by InTrieste
In a project aimed at revitalizing urban educational spaces, the City of Trieste has completed an extensive renovation of the inner courtyard at the ex-Timeus – Slataper school, a facility that houses around 500 students. The 150,000-euro project, announced by Elisa Lodi, Trieste’s Municipal Councilor for Real Estate Asset Policies, was a significant step toward improving the recreational area for students who attend school at the historic building, which dates back to the early 1900s.
In a press conference held in the newly refurbished courtyard, Lodi explained the necessity of the renovations. “Last year, we made a commitment to upgrade this area,” she said. “It’s the only space available for the children to play since the school does not have a garden. The courtyard was old and asphalted, damaged by time, and it deserved to be enhanced.”
The courtyard, which spans 550 square meters, had previously been in a state of considerable disrepair. Cracks and deformities riddled the surface, making the area unsuitable for safe play. Over the summer break, the city government prioritized addressing these issues by installing shock-absorbing rubber flooring, now marked in two colors—bright yellow for a small basketball court and bright green for the remainder of the space.
“The courtyard now includes not only an area for basketball but also safe zones for the younger children to enjoy,” Lodi added. “It’s a versatile space, designed to accommodate students of different ages, from kindergarten to elementary school.”
The courtyard plays a vital role in the daily life of the school, which currently hosts students from the Marina Spaccini kindergarten and the Nazario Sauro primary school. Both institutions are temporarily relocated to the ex-Timeus building as their original location undergoes renovations. The courtyard serves as a central hub for outdoor activities and recess, providing a much-needed reprieve for children during the school day.
The restoration, managed by the firm Cerbone Giovanni & Figlio Srl, included the installation of a non-toxic, weather-resistant rubber surface that meets Italy’s Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) standards. These improvements ensure that the space is both safe for children and adaptable to Trieste’s varied weather conditions. Specialized designs were also incorporated into the surface, with colorful shapes and games intended to spark the children’s imagination.
The timing of the renovations was planned with care, commencing only after the school year ended to avoid disruption. Work spanned approximately a month and a half during the summer months. “It’s an investment not just in infrastructure, but in the future of our children,” Lodi emphasized. “After years of waiting, we are finally delivering a safe and modern recreational space. It’s a wonderful surprise for the children, just in time for the new school year.”
The project is part of a larger citywide effort to modernize educational facilities. Trieste has committed to an ongoing program of extraordinary maintenance for public schools, as outlined in a 2023 framework agreement aimed at middle schools.
For the students of Slataper, Spaccini, and Sauro, the courtyard is now ready to serve as a vibrant, functional space where learning can extend beyond the classroom, allowing children to safely play and socialize in an environment designed to meet modern standards.
In attendance at the unveiling was a teacher from the Nazario Sauro primary school, who passed on heartfelt thanks from parents. “This is more than just a new playground,” the teacher said. “It’s a place where our children can explore, create, and grow—something they’ve needed for years.”
As children return to school in the coming weeks, they will be greeted by a courtyard transformed into a safe haven of play and discovery—just the kind of environment where learning can truly thrive.
