Prague’s new green spaces

Prague is intensifying its commitment to green spaces with the opening of a new park and the reopening of a newly renovated playground.

The Park U Vody

The new park, inaugurated on September 5, 2024, is located in the Holešovice district and is named Park U Vody, which can be translated as “Near the Water”. In fact, the park overlooks right on the banks of the Vltava river. The construction of this green space marks an important milestone for the city of Prague, as it has allowed the redevelopment of a previously neglected area.

From the start of the project, citizens have been involved through a series of participatory meetings, and they were the ones who decided on the park’s name. Schools also participated by holding various art competitions, with numerous students taking part.

The park is characterized by an industrial style. Inside, it is possible to find concrete benches, wooden sleepers, and metal railings—elements chosen for their ability to withstand potential flooding. The park has an interesting history: it used to host the Holešovice port railway. The design of this significant green space reflects its history through traffic lights, unused rails, and pieces of old concrete.

The park includes many amenities such as picnic spots, a communal area with a fire pit, an outdoor classroom, a space for community events, and fitness equipment. The natural vegetation has been preserved and enriched with new trees reminiscent of orchards. Additionally, the park features an extensive network of trails, including an original foot-massaging walkway and a children’s play area.
Given the park’s strong connection to water, both in name and location, various aquatic elements have been incorporated, including a pond and a fountain.
The green space also boasts excellent public lighting, with about forty light points and nearly sixty energy-efficient LED lamps designed to enhance visitor safety and complement the tranquil atmosphere of the park.

Park U Vody is therefore an excellent solution, offering visitors opportunities for recreation, sports, and socialization.

The Koníček playground

Recently, the Koníček playground, located within the famous and important Stromovka park, has also been reopened.

The project, costing nearly 16 million Czech crowns, has allowed for the installation of artworks by sculptor Ceca Alexandra Koláčková within the green area. Artworks from the early millennium have been preserved in their original state.

The key features of this extensive renovation, which started in April of this year, include improved play structures, the restoration of surrounding green areas, and the removal of deteriorated surfaces. The flooring has been replaced with washed gravel, and the greenery has been renewed.

Visitors to the playground can now see new trampolines, sandboxes, swings, benches, seesaws, and a large climbing area suitable for young children.
The surrounding park has also benefited from this renovation, with new paths, renewed green areas, and repaired surfaces.

Recently, Prague has demonstrated a commitment to its green spaces. These initiatives not only represent a significant step toward a greener and more livable city but also create spaces where citizens can feel welcomed.

Sources: https://www.expats.cz/; https://www.praha7.cz/