The new biotope in Dolánky near Turnov is already filling with water, but it remains closed for now

Turnov – A new place for recreation will soon be added in Dolánky near Turnov, where builders are finishing up a biotope at the site of the former swimming pool by the Jizera River. The natural reservoir is already filling with water, but the area will remain closed until the end of June. Construction work is nearing completion, but the new site for natural recreation still needs time, primarily for the growth of greenery; in addition to sowing grass, aquatic plants are being gradually planted, said city spokesperson Marcela Jandová on the website.

The original natural swimming pool in Dolánky was filled in a quarter of a century ago due to its dilapidated condition, leaving only a wading pool for children. Work on the construction of the biotope has been underway since last October. The new natural reservoir has an organic shape, measuring 42 meters in length and 37 meters in width. It has a natural character, so there will be no attractions or parking lots; only a refreshment stand and restrooms are planned. The paving around the pond is already being completed, most of the gravel paths are finished, and cleaning technologies have already been installed.

According to Jandová, the contractor has requested a 14-day extension for the finishing works. "The reason is changes caused during construction, including modifications to the load-bearing structure of the footbridge and pier to a galvanized steel one, which was primarily made to increase durability. There was also an addition of lighting to the area and outdoor showers. These will be added near the changing rooms, which have already been installed," the spokesperson stated. According to her, construction work is also continuing on the refreshment facility with sanitation facilities, and the interior spaces still need to be completed.

According to mayor Tomáš Hocke (Independent Block), the revival of the natural swimming pool in Dolánky, albeit in a different form, is a response to the demand from the people. The biotope will be an alternative to the outdoor swimming pool Maškova zahrada, which is one of the most modern in the Liberec region. It includes a slide, a toboggan, and swimming lanes, and the area also features a playground, an inline skating track, a skatepark, and a pumptrack. The swimming pool has been operating since 2016 and attracts between 24,000 and 69,000 visitors each season.