Aquilone Day Center Reopens After Three-Year Closure Due to Structural Issues
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A revitalized haven for children with disabilities, the Aquilone day center, is set to officially reopen on Sunday, marking the culmination of a significant restoration project following a prolonged closure triggered by severe structural damage. The reopening will be celebrated with a community event attended by local officials and the children who rely on the center’s vital services.
A Painful Interruption of Care
The forced closure of the Aquilone center in October 2022 caused considerable hardship for the children and families it serves. According to reports, Mayor Giacomo Certosi signed an urgent ordinance mandating the immediate shutdown after a structural investigation revealed extensive water damage. The center, established in 2009, provides crucial day rehabilitation services for children with disabilities and is jointly funded by the municipalities of Figline and Reggello, with management entrusted to the Health Society.
Uncovering the Root of the Problem
Initial concerns stemmed from minor infiltration issues, but a deeper investigation uncovered a far more serious problem. The building, constructed primarily of local wood and plasterboard, had become saturated with water, leading to widespread rot. “The structure was soaked in water,” a senior official stated, emphasizing the severity of the situation. The immediate closure was deemed essential to ensure the safety of all occupants.
For three years, children who regularly attended the Aquilone faced significant disruption to their therapeutic care. Services were temporarily relocated to a facility in Figline, but limited capacity meant children had to attend in shifts, hindering the continuity of their treatment plans. This disruption underscored the critical role the Aquilone plays in the lives of these young patients and their families.
A Collaborative Restoration Effort
The reopening marks a triumph of collaborative effort and financial commitment. A total of €460,000 was allocated to the refurbishment and safety upgrades, with €300,000 coming from regional funds and the remaining €160,000 contributed by municipal and Health Society resources. The renovated facility now offers a safe and healthy environment, including a dedicated play space upstairs.
The municipal administration hailed the reopening as a significant achievement, highlighting the strong synergy between various institutional entities in resolving the emergency. “The full collaboration…was immediately created between the various institutional entities,” a spokesperson for the administration noted, underscoring the importance of unified action.
The official re-inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at noon, promising a joyous occasion for the community and a fresh start for the children who consider the Aquilone their “second home.”
