Excitement is brewing in Prague’s Holešovice neighborhood as plans for a brand-new park named U Vody are underway. The park, located between the Holešovice port and the Barikádníků bridge on the north bank of the Vltava River, is set to become a vibrant hub for recreation, sports, and community activities. The project, selected from an urban landscape competition, is scheduled to commence construction this year and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023.

What sets U Vody apart is the collaborative effort between the city and its residents in its creation. From the outset, locals have been actively involved in the planning process, with numerous participatory meetings held to gather feedback. The community even had the privilege of naming the park, which will be an integral part of the suburban park Trojská roklina.

The development of a new park in the city center is a rare occurrence, which has amplified the excitement among the residents of Holešovice. What was once an unsightly concrete parking lot is now being transformed into a vibrant green space featuring an outdoor gym. Locals have already begun to utilize the space for sports and recreational activities, further reinforcing the positive impact of this development.

The winning project from the urban landscape competition, designed by the esteemed YYYY studio, stood out for its ability to create a functional public space that can adapt to the evolving needs of the community. The park will offer seating areas with picturesque views of the river, a network of paths leading to the water, and a sensory pathway. Additionally, it will include workout equipment and an outdoor study area, catering to various interests and age groups.

U Vody will be seamlessly connected to the existing pedestrian and bike path along the riverbank, providing a new cycling route that leads to Stromovka Park and the city center. Acting as part of the green belt encircling Holešovice, the park will incorporate both new and existing access points to the river, enhancing connectivity and providing a refreshing escape in the heart of the city.

The estimated cost of U Vody’s construction is approximately 46.5 million CZK, with funding sourced from various external sources. A grant of 21 million CZK from the Norwegian and State Environmental Fund, combined with contributions of 18 million CZK from the City of Prague and 3.8 million CZK from Skanska, will ensure the realization of this exciting project.

As completion draws near, anticipation is building among neighborhood residents for the opening of Prague’s newest park, U Vody. With its thoughtfully designed features and its potential to serve as a vibrant community space for years to come, U Vody is set to leave a lasting positive impact on the Holešovice neighborhood.

Article by Prague Forum