Krnov officials want a large gymnasium despite local protests.

Krnov (Bruntál) - The Krnov council confirmed its original proposal to build a large gymnasium in Janáčkovo Square. They were not deterred by a petition from residents who oppose the felling of 19 trees in the maple alley which would have to give way for the construction. The gymnasium with a playing area measuring 22 by 44 meters still needs to be approved by the council, said city spokesperson Dita Círová today.
    "The city council believes that a gymnasium of these dimensions is essential for the school and for sports that currently lack the necessary facilities in Krnov. The concerns of the citizens are unnecessary,” said Mayor Renata Ramazanová.
    The petition committee plans to submit pages with hundreds of signatures at the November meeting of the council. According to the signatories, the gymnasium is too large and will disrupt the peaceful life in the residential area. "The alley is 110 years old, and from a bird's-eye view, for example from the top of Cvilín, it is one of the unmistakable landmarks," states the petition. People would prefer a smaller gymnasium or one on a different plot, arguing that the originally planned school cafeteria should stand directly next to the school instead.
    No decision has yet been made regarding the felling of the alley; the city must apply for permission from its own environmental department. The department is currently having an assessment and evaluation of the alley prepared, so it can potentially require the city to implement appropriate compensatory planting.
    The current gymnasium at Janáčkovo Square is small, has an unsuitable floor, and cannot meet the needs of the entire school. To comply with the required scope of physical education, teachers must take students to practice in the gym hall of the former barracks, which also does not meet standards. A new facility would also create space for other popular sports, such as football or handball, which currently do not have appropriate conditions in any of the Krnov gymnasiums.