Polička has restored the square of Bohuslav Martinů, a stream will flow from the bronze fountain

Polička – The town of Polička in the Svitavy region has completed the renovation of Bohuslav Martinů Square. The comprehensive reconstruction began last April. New trees, pavements, atypical furniture, a footbridge to the rectory and church, seating steps, and a bronze fountain have been added. The town has also ordered a statue of the composer as a child, which will be installed later. The ceremonial opening of the renewed space is planned for August 29, city representatives told ČTK.

"It’s beautiful. I hear responses from both sides that people really like it. It’s definitely well-spent money. It’s something that will serve future generations. The church of St. James and its façade are of course the heart and soul of the town of Polička," said Mayor Jaroslav Martinů (ODS) to ČTK.

The complete reconstruction also included the replacement of utility networks. Additionally, a technical background for the fountain, water features, and irrigation has been created underground. There is a tank for water below, which the town hall will use to water the municipal greenery.

Some elements of the new square refer to the composer Bohuslav Martinů, after whom the space is named. Water will flow from the fountain into Riegrova Street, reminiscent of the Opening of Springs, the famous cantata by Bohuslav Martinů.

"Now we only need to fine-tune and put the water features into operation; the regulation of the water flow is being addressed. The stream should start flowing this week," said city hall spokesperson Naděžda Šauerová.

The native of Polička was born in 1890 in a little room in the tower of the church of St. James. The composer’s childhood will also be commemorated with his statue, which will be part of the newly renovated square. Originally, the statue was to be created by artist Kurt Gebauer, who, however, cannot work on the project due to health reasons. The town hall has therefore agreed with sculptor Petr Váňa.

Gebauer was supposed to design a boy with a violin running home to the church tower. What the final statue will look like under Váňa's guidance is still unclear. "We will still install the statue. The sculptor will make it later; he is currently on a trip abroad. We have been preparing the entire project for six years, it was challenging, and due to financing, it wasn’t certain when we would actually start," said the head of the Department of Urban Planning, Development, and Environment, Marta Mastná.

The town wanted to start construction in 2022 and 2023, but construction costs skyrocketed during that time. The costs of renovating the square exceeded 47 million crowns. The town secured approximately 19 million crowns in grants from the Green Infrastructure program for the project. The square is awaiting inspection soon.

The presentation of the renewed space to the public is planned for August 29. The town hall will start the new fountain at 4:30 PM, accompanied by the Opening of Springs. The composition is inspired by the folk tradition of spring cleaning and the opening of springs, during which people renewed the springs and symbolically welcomed a new beginning after winter.