Ostrava wants to convert Hošťálkovice Lodge into a Forest School
Ostrava - Ostrava is preparing to build a new Forest School that would expand the possibilities of environmental education in the city. To this end, it wants to renovate the hunting lodge in Hošťálkovice. Construction could start next year. The city estimates the cost of its construction to be around 40 million crowns. This was stated today by Aleš Boháč (Mayors for Ostrava), the Deputy Mayor for the Environment.
The Forest School has been operated for nearly a quarter of a century by the municipal company Ostravské městské lesy a zeleň in the most populous part of the city, Ostrava-Jih. Its founders were inspired by Austria, and it was established as the first specialized entity of its kind in the country. Last year, over 7,500 visitors headed to the Forest School in Bělský les.
"Given the significant demand for our Forest School, especially from schools in the Ostrava-Jih district, we are preparing to expand environmental education for primary school students to other city districts and the surrounding municipalities," said Boháč. The city already has a proposal for the renovation of the hunting lodge, and the project documentation is currently being developed.
"The aim is to comprehensively reconstruct the existing complex of the hunting lodge, which will then offer an exhibition on forestry, facilities for a regional environmental center with barrier-free access. It should include an outdoor classroom, a relaxation area, and space for storing educational materials. We also plan to modify the garden adjacent to the forest complex and build facilities for gatherings even in the rain," said Boháč.
According to him, interest in environmental education is growing, especially after COVID. The Hošťálkovice hunting lodge is owned by the city and was previously used for accommodation. "However, we do not want to use this property long-term, and it is not being used for that purpose anymore. It has a relatively large garden, so we want to transform it into a new Forest School. The current one is located in the headquarters of our municipal company and is somewhat past its prime, although it has many beautiful things. Renovating the hunting lodge will allow us a modern approach and barrier-free access," Boháč noted.
After conversion, the hunting lodge could also host evening events associated with overnight stays. "It's more in nature, as Hošťálkovice is an outer part of the city. It is close to relatively extensive forests towards the Hošťálkovice transmitter," said the deputy.
Boháč expects that this year it may be possible to complete the project documentation, followed by an application for a building permit. In an ideal scenario, construction could start next year. Even after the renovation of the hunting lodge, the current Forest School would remain, which is preparing new programs for this year. It also aims to collaborate with art schools to create a new exhibition about trees, inspired by European national parks.
In addition to educational programs aimed at children, the Ostrava Forest School offers programs for seniors and other visitors, allowing them to learn about forestry through various events. The relationship with nature is also strengthened by other companies in the regional capital, such as the municipal waste company OZO Ostrava. Since 2003, over 136,000 people have attended its educational programs.
The Forest School has been operated for nearly a quarter of a century by the municipal company Ostravské městské lesy a zeleň in the most populous part of the city, Ostrava-Jih. Its founders were inspired by Austria, and it was established as the first specialized entity of its kind in the country. Last year, over 7,500 visitors headed to the Forest School in Bělský les.
"Given the significant demand for our Forest School, especially from schools in the Ostrava-Jih district, we are preparing to expand environmental education for primary school students to other city districts and the surrounding municipalities," said Boháč. The city already has a proposal for the renovation of the hunting lodge, and the project documentation is currently being developed.
"The aim is to comprehensively reconstruct the existing complex of the hunting lodge, which will then offer an exhibition on forestry, facilities for a regional environmental center with barrier-free access. It should include an outdoor classroom, a relaxation area, and space for storing educational materials. We also plan to modify the garden adjacent to the forest complex and build facilities for gatherings even in the rain," said Boháč.
According to him, interest in environmental education is growing, especially after COVID. The Hošťálkovice hunting lodge is owned by the city and was previously used for accommodation. "However, we do not want to use this property long-term, and it is not being used for that purpose anymore. It has a relatively large garden, so we want to transform it into a new Forest School. The current one is located in the headquarters of our municipal company and is somewhat past its prime, although it has many beautiful things. Renovating the hunting lodge will allow us a modern approach and barrier-free access," Boháč noted.
After conversion, the hunting lodge could also host evening events associated with overnight stays. "It's more in nature, as Hošťálkovice is an outer part of the city. It is close to relatively extensive forests towards the Hošťálkovice transmitter," said the deputy.
Boháč expects that this year it may be possible to complete the project documentation, followed by an application for a building permit. In an ideal scenario, construction could start next year. Even after the renovation of the hunting lodge, the current Forest School would remain, which is preparing new programs for this year. It also aims to collaborate with art schools to create a new exhibition about trees, inspired by European national parks.
In addition to educational programs aimed at children, the Ostrava Forest School offers programs for seniors and other visitors, allowing them to learn about forestry through various events. The relationship with nature is also strengthened by other companies in the regional capital, such as the municipal waste company OZO Ostrava. Since 2003, over 136,000 people have attended its educational programs.
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