Valašské Meziříčí Observatory is renovating its grounds, adding new fencing and a parking lot

Valašské Meziříčí – The Valašské Meziříčí Observatory in the Vsetín district is renovating its grounds, which cover more than 15,000 m². The work mainly involves completely repairing the fencing around the entire site and the footpaths, building a new car park, and landscaping, observatory director Libor Lenža told the Czech News Agency (ČTK).

"The fencing was essentially in a state of disrepair, and some sections were missing altogether. We had a parking problem because people were parking next to a historically valuable building. The entire park was simply in a condition that called for a complete revitalisation," the director said.

The changes to the grounds are focused on visitors. "We will add information boards, display panels, benches and bicycle racks so that when people come here, they can learn something even before an event begins, park their bicycles safely, or sit down and simply relax," the director said. There will also be an area where the observatory will display new inflatable models of planets and the Sun. "I think visitors to our observatory have something to look forward to," the director said.

Work began this summer, and the site is fenced off. "Our operations are very limited during the renovation. We are completely closed to the general public. However, we are still trying to accommodate organised groups, whom we meet at the boundary of the property and safely escort to the building where their event is taking place," the director said. The renovation will be completed by the end of the year. The work will cost approximately CZK 18 million excluding VAT and is being funded by the Zlín Region, which operates the observatory.

Next year, the observatory plans to renovate its operations and technical services building. "We believe an architectural competition will also be announced soon for a completely new, large building to be constructed in the southern part of the grounds, including a lecture or conference hall for 80 people, which we need," Lenža said. Construction could begin in 2028.

Last year, a Cultural and Creative Centre opened at the observatory at a cost of more than CZK 80 million, featuring laboratories, workshops, technical facilities, a seminar room and accommodation for longer events.

Minister for Regional Development Zuzana Mrázová (ANO) visited the observatory today. She was briefed on the 5G network project funded by the ministry. "We have built a standalone, or SA, 5G network here on the grounds. It enables us to hold a range of educational events aimed at young people who are technically skilled or interested in technology. The 5G network includes supporting systems such as a fleet of ground drones, a fleet of conventional flying drones, sensor units, and virtual and augmented reality programs that we have developed in-house," the director said.

The observatory completed the project this year, with a ministry grant of approximately CZK 15 million. "I am glad to see how smart technologies and 5G networks help not only with research in practice, but also attract children to technology and the technical sciences. We hope that one day they will go on to work in these fields," Mrázová said.