The Suburban Park Soutok, slated to be established at the confluence of the Vltava and Berounka rivers in the south of Prague, is set to become an unparalleled project in the Czech Republic. Marek Zděrazdička, the representative director of the Prague City Planning and Development Institute, made this assertion during a public meeting where winning architects from an international competition presented a detailed study for the park’s development.

While the term “park” is used, Zděrazdička clarified that it goes beyond a traditional park, intending to transform a vast area spanning several city districts and municipalities into a territorial laboratory. The objective is to conduct experiments related to new forms of metropolitan development and innovative flood prevention methods. The river floodplain earmarked for transformation covers over 1,300 hectares, equivalent to almost three hundred Wenceslas Squares placed side by side.

After completion, the park is expected to draw over a million visitors annually, making it the second most visited park in Prague, trailing only Stromovka. Jana Moravcová from the architectural studio Norma Architekti, part of the winning team, emphasized the uniqueness of the project, labeling it the largest in Central Europe.

The comprehensive plans encompass pathways for pedestrians and athletes, featuring a climate-friendly surface with color-coded distinctions indicating the recommended speed. The development will also include new horse routes, considering the presence of numerous stables in the area, and an inline track leading through Lahovičky.

Pending approval from city authorities, the study paves the way for the establishment of an administrative entity, possibly a joint-stock company, to oversee project implementation. The study also aligns various developers’ intentions in the locality. The architects underscored their commitment to preserving most trees in Černošice along the riverbank while ensuring accessibility enhancements. The Suburban Park Soutok emerges as a groundbreaking initiative, showcasing innovation and sustainable urban development on a substantial scale.

Article by Prague Forum