Translation: Enrico De Col | Proofreading: Aaron Mann - The preliminary work for the construction of the 'Dolomiti Water Park' in Italy, a venue which will serve as a hub for water sports in the region, is underway. At an estimated investment of 15 million euros, this ambitious project will utilise existing structures in what was once an industrial complex.

At over 2000 square meters in size, the new facility will offer a rafting school, a whitewater course, indoor and outdoor climbing walls, surf waves, and pools for long-distance swimming. The project plans also include a gym, restaurants and bars, retail space, and green space for large events.

The force behind this initiative is entrepreneur Mario Confalonieri, an industrialist from Milan, who already owns the property he hopes to develop.

"The plan will transform the industrial area to a sports facility, including the construction of new banks of the Piave [River] and more," said Confalonieri.

"Luckily we have the full support of the city administration with periodic updates from Mayor Roberto Padrin and collaboration with all the various other government agencies.

"In a few months, we hope to start with the first phase of construction, which will last about a year and a half, but this cannot begin until we attend to all the necessary paperwork.

"One of our main partners is the University of Padua and I would like to have them involved with this project on multiple levels. We hope to have the University help with such matters as the chemical aspects of water-treatment, hydraulic power systems that use the flow of the Piave, and exploiting the thermal heat from nearby company CEB, with whom we are already in negotiations, for a thermo-conduction system.”

One the most avid supporters of this project is 2012 Olympic Champion Daniele Molmenti.

“Mr. Molmenti is not only an advocate of this project,” said Confalonieri, “but he will also play a significant role in the management of the park, where he will become an instructor in the various courses of paddling disciplines once he has finished his racing career.

"Living in Pordenone means this facility will be quite close to him. At this time, he and other athletes are training in Australia for the winter, but they could soon spend their winters here because this facility will be very unique, as it will stay open all year-round with heated water and easily changeable whitewater.

"We estimate a presence between 80,000-120,000 people a year at this facility. These numbers should also have a positive economic impact on other businesses in the area. I have already invited the local tourism office and its manager Roberto Sant to move and manage a tourist office onsite.

"As we move forward, I have specified that great attention will be paid with the utmost respect for the environment. Given the presence of nearby Vajont Dam, we also want to bring something positive to the area: jobs primarily, with an emphasis on young people from neighbouring countries, and then economic development and growth through ​strategic passage where sports tourism has so much potential, but is still underexploited. I believe and hope that other sponsors will join us."

Website: www.dolomitiwaterpark.com