On the surroundings of Castel San Pietro, in the marvellous setting of the Avra hill, there is a very special place in terms of history, beauty, constant care and organisation: the Percorso Vita di Avra (Avra Fitness Trail). Medacta for Life Foundation, embracing the intentions of the people responsible for the maintenance of this place, has contributed to the completion of the path dedicated to children and families, financing last year a station of the newborn Baby Parcour: the Badger-Mikado!
The Percorso Vita di Avra was created more than 40 years ago on the initiative of some enthusiastic young people who had discovered the first Trails that were springing up in inland Switzerland, around Zurich. These, in 1972, brought together all the energy of the various sports and non sports clubs in Mendrisio: during several days of totally voluntary work they created the current Percorso Vita. In the following years, thanks to the assiduous and selfless work of various people, the Percorso has been maintained and developed, becoming an important place for outdoor sport and exercise in the Mendrisiotto.
Today, the Percorso Vita di Avra consists of three different trails: in addition to the original track, the Percorso Cometa was added, on the initiative of the AGIC (parents association for blind and visually impaired children and young people) and the Mendrisio Scouts, created to promote movement in nature for the visually impaired and blind. Finally, in 2022, the Sensory and Baby Parcour was created.
The year 2022 marked the 50th commemoration of the Società Percorso Vita Mendrisio e Dintorni. To celebrate the anniversary, in addition to the construction of the Baby Parcour, important renovation and upgrading work was carried out: adjustment of the entire route and laying of water diversion channels; route corrections and completion of the stations; and the creation of toilets at the start.
We warmly congratulate the organisation and the people who manage this unique place, sharing their intentions, goals and lifestyle proposal. In fact, we read on the Percorso Vita website, very well expressed, the declaration of the Società Percorso Vita Mendrisio e Dintorni: “Our goal is an inclusive and safe park, with services accessible to all, with spaces dedicated to every age group that could be a place for everyone and for everyone!