The Ostrava Smetana Park has undergone revitalization for 11 million crowns

Ostrava – Smetana Park in the Ostrava district of Mariánské Hory and Hulváky has undergone revitalization costing nearly 11 million crowns. The greenery has been modified, new public lighting and furniture have been installed. At the same time, paths and the surfaces of sidewalks have been changed. The main path is designed to follow the natural movement of pedestrians while avoiding the root system of trees. This was announced to journalists today by the city hall spokesperson Gabriela Pokorná.

"From the beginning, we discussed the proposal for the overall modification of the park not only with the residents of the surrounding buildings but also with representatives of the secondary school. The park should serve not only for parents with children and seniors living here but also for students of the local school who spend their free time here during or after class. Therefore, we have conceptually divided the park into two parts. The part closer to the apartment blocks should be more geared towards families, and the paved zone at the entrance from the secondary school building should provide enough space for students to meet,” said the Deputy Mayor for the Environment Kateřina Šebestová (ANO).

The sidewalks in the central part of the park are made from natural materials, such as granite cubes or natural stone, and some areas are made from colored asphalt. New species of trees and shrubs have been added to the park, and at selected locations, perennials, grasses, and bulbs have been planted. A total of 2,786 square meters of park lawn have been established, 356 square meters of perennial and grass beds with bulbs, and 611 square meters of beds with perennials. Stone and tropical wood benches, a sandbox, bicycle racks, trash bins, and also works of art have been added.

"Smetana Park has been deteriorating over the past few years, the greenery was uncared for, and the sidewalks were cracked. That is why we decided to completely change it. We also did not forget the legacy of composer Bedřich Smetana," added Šebestová. The names of Bedřich Smetana's symphonic poems from the cycle My Country are inscribed on stone slabs in the central part of the park, and musical notes from The Brandenburgers in Bohemia, The Devil's Walls, Dalibor, The Two Widows, The Kiss, Libuše, The Bartered Bride, and The Secret are engraved on the wooden backs of the benches.

The renovation of Smetana Park is part of the so-called green projects. Their aim is to enhance and expand parks, gardens, and public spaces throughout the city. For example, the renovation of the surroundings of the Miloš Sýkora Bridge leading to the castle footbridge, the Farská Garden behind the bishop's office in the center, and the improvement of the area in front of the café at Prokeš Square have already been completed. Further park renovations are being prepared.