After a year of repairs, Střelecký Island in Prague reopened today

Prague - After a year of renovations, Střelecký Island in Prague has opened to the public today. Its reconstruction, funded by Prague 1, cost approximately 80 million crowns. Access stairs have been renovated, new children’s playgrounds and toilets have been created on the island, and an elevator has been built for people with disabilities or mothers with strollers. The ceremonial opening today includes an evening concert by the bands Žlutý pes and Děda Mládek Illegal Band.
    The city hall wanted to open the island during the holiday season, but the reconstruction was prolonged by the floods in June. Workers had to wait for the surfaces to dry after the flooding, and due to the ban on navigation, they could not transport the necessary materials to the construction site for several weeks.
    During the renovations of the island, about thirty trees were cut down, and more than 60 new ones were planted. Sidewalks have been repaired, and new benches have been placed on the island. Grass has also been planted in grassy areas, although the grass in some parts is yet to grow. The city district only repaired the northern part of the island, which is often used for cultural events. The southern tip belongs to a private owner who has a restaurant there.
    The city hall wishes to maintain the organization of cultural events on "Střelák". Events should take place that people would complain about due to noise if held elsewhere in the center. The festive opening will last five days accompanied by various cultural productions. Famous bands and singers, as well as children's groups, will perform during this time.
    The leadership of the city district is worried that vandals may damage the investment worth tens of millions of crowns. "Let us protect it from stupid and senseless vandalism," said Mayor Oldřich Lomecký (TOP 09) during the opening of the island today. Therefore, the city district council approved a strict visitor regulation. With the exception of cultural events, drinking alcohol and using drugs will not be permitted on the island, and running dogs without leashes, starting fires, setting off fireworks, or riding bikes, rollerblades, or skateboards will be prohibited. The island will be open from April to the end of October from 06:00 to 22:00, and from November to the end of March from 08:00 to 19:00. Guards will oversee compliance with the rules.