One of Italy’s most beloved literary attractions has become the centre of an increasingly heated public dispute.
Since the management of Parco di Pinocchio, the historic Garzoni Garden and the Butterfly House was transferred to Collodi Edutainment earlier this year, the move has sparked a wave of criticism from politicians, commentators and supporters of the National Carlo Collodi Foundation. Opponents have questioned the new management structure, voiced concerns about the long-term future of the foundation and accused those involved of placing the park’s heritage at risk. The controversy has played out extensively in local media, turning what began as a financial restructuring into a highly public and political debate.
Now, in an unusual move, the people who work at the attraction every day have decided to speak out.
In an open letter signed by all 17 employees working at Parco di Pinocchio, the neighbouring Garzoni Garden and Butterfly House, together with two employees of the National Carlo Collodi Foundation, staff reject the negative narrative surrounding the attraction. Instead, they describe a workplace that has become more stable, better organised and considerably more optimistic since the arrival of the new operator.
Staff Say the Park Has Turned a Corner
According to the employees, years of uncertainty over the financial future of the foundation and the security of their own jobs have finally come to an end.
They explain that the new management immediately focused on tackling long-standing maintenance issues and modernising operations that had been neglected for years. Employees also point to a noticeable rise in positive visitor feedback, saying the improvements have created a far more enjoyable working environment.
Another major change has been the recruitment of additional staff. Workers say chronic understaffing had previously made daily operations increasingly difficult, placing heavy pressure on existing employees while limiting the ability to properly maintain the park and its gardens.
Foundation Employees Also See a More Secure Future
The open letter also addresses concerns surrounding the National Carlo Collodi Foundation.
Employees say fears that the foundation could face financial collapse and possible government administration have eased following the decision to transfer day-to-day management of the attractions to Collodi Edutainment. They add that the foundation has since been able to refocus on its cultural and educational mission.
Employees Call for the Dispute to End
While defending the changes introduced under the new operator, the employees also express frustration over the continuing public criticism.
They argue that the ongoing debate has become increasingly political and is overshadowing the work being done to improve the attraction. According to the letter, the constant public attacks do little to support either the workforce or the long-term future of one of Italy’s most famous literary destinations.
A New Era for a Historic Attraction
The employee statement marks another significant chapter in the transformation currently underway at Parco di Pinocchio.
Following the management takeover by Collodi Edutainment earlier this year, ambitious plans have been announced to restore and modernise the attraction while preserving its artistic and cultural heritage. Rather than transforming the site into a conventional amusement park, the project aims to revitalise the historic destination through restoration work, operational improvements and new cultural initiatives, with the ambition of welcoming significantly more visitors in the years ahead.
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