On July 3, 2023, the northern section of Park Na Solidarite in Prague 10 reopened to the public following a comprehensive revitalization project that was selected based on input from local citizens. The primary goal of the project was to preserve the park’s serene atmosphere while ensuring it meets the needs of the community. The upgraded recreational area will now serve both residents and visitors from across Prague.

One notable improvement is the installation of new public lighting that adheres to the latest standards in remote control and regulation, enhancing safety within the park. Milan Marsalek, the official responsible for the environment and sustainability, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am delighted to present Park Na Solidarite in its new form to the public.”

New pathways have been constructed throughout the park, accompanied by benches and picnic tables in select areas. Additionally, a new drinking fountain has been installed, providing a refreshing respite during the summer months. To enhance the park’s aesthetics, bulbs have been planted in various locations, which will become a prominent feature during the spring season.

While the revitalization efforts have focused on the northern section of the park thus far, the city council intends to shift its attention to the southern part as soon as possible. Marsalek mentioned that property rights have posed challenges for the revitalization of the southern section, but the council aims to resolve these issues and commence detailed design work in the near future.

Preserving the park’s mature vegetation was a significant aspect of the project, and the majority of it has been successfully maintained and partly restored. However, a few trees had to be removed, and this was communicated to the public on-site. Two conifers were relocated, and 23 new trees were planted in the park, with each tree receiving specialized care from a certified arborist.

The transformation of Park Na Solidarite was guided by urban studies based on extensive community participation. Three studios were tasked with translating residents’ ideas into tangible plans, and the public was given the opportunity to vote for their preferred design. Ultimately, the proposal put forth by Land05 Atelier, a garden and landscape architecture studio, secured 46% of the participants’ votes and emerged as the winner.

The revitalization of Park Na Solidarite aligns with the city’s broader efforts to adapt to climate change, establishing it as a valuable contribution and exemplary blue-green infrastructure within Prague. The total cost of the revitalization project amounted to 10.6 million Kč, with work commencing in November of the previous year as part of a financial collaboration between the city and the capital. The latter contributed a previously granted subsidy of 5 million Kč to support the project.

This revitalization initiative serves as a shining example of how communities can come together to transform public spaces while safeguarding the environment for future generations. The successful collaboration between residents, city officials, and landscape professionals demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives in creating vibrant and sustainable urban landscapes.

Article by Prague Forum