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Description
The project is focused on the revitalization of the U Vody park brownfield in Prague''s Holešovice. The subject of the project is the transformation of the former transhipment yard formed by concrete objects, areas and ramps, which was a part of the Holešovice port into a nature park close to nature, which it will connect. In 2019, large paved areas were demolished and the future appearance of this green island in the compact development of the city is currently being sought. Its location predestines it to be not only a local park, but also a connection to the central part of the city further north for pedestrians, runners and cyclists. At the same time, however, this land is unique in the structure of the surrounding city and thus has a significant potential to strengthen neighborhood and community relations and ties. Part of the project is the selection of a contractor, which takes place in the form of a design competition, one of the key criteria considered are measures to combat climate change.
The project supports the long-term strategic approach of MČP7 (see https://www.praha7.cz/usneseni/?id=30864&type=mainRes) in the fight against climate change and adaptation to this change at the local level and at the level of important ecosystem or landscape elements and units (basin).
The goal of the project is, among other things, to increase the resistance of the region and its surroundings against to the negative effects of climate change and to reduce the negative impact of this change on the population.
Summary of project results
The goal of the project was to transform a former concrete freight yard into a modern urban park. Thanks to support from the Norwegian Funds, the project team successfully achieved this ambitious goal. Within the approved budget and timeline, we were able to revitalize and open most of the park to the public. The project also involved coordinating with a new bike path that connects Lower Holešovice with Stromovka.
The Prague 7 Municipality has long been committed to cultivating and making this area accessible to the public, in line with its strategic priorities and considering climate adaptation measures. Previously, the site was a neglected and poorly maintained area, characterized by extensive concrete surfaces, insufficient amenities, and a high concentration of homeless individuals and substance users.
The newly created park now provides a pleasant and safe environment for both residents and visitors, contributes to the ecological stabilization of the area, and supports community life in this expanding urban space.
Other activities successfully carried out for children from kindergartens and elementary schools in Prague 7 (a total of 430 children) included nine educational interactive workshops on the theme of water in the landscape, focusing on water management, the water cycle, household water consumption, and related topics. Another initiative was a series of performances for kindergarten children (for a total of 300 children), which presented the issue of water in the city in an engaging and understandable way. Additionally, a creative competition was organized for children on the theme "River in the City," in which over 100 children from several elementary schools in Prague 7 participated. All of the artworks were displayed in the vestibule of the Prague 7 City Hall for one week, and the creators were rewarded. The winning design was chosen as the official logo of the newly established U Vody Park.
Another accomplishment, made possible with the support of the Norway Grants, was the creation of an urban treasure hunt game for pedestrians, cyclists, and school groups. The game aims to promote the new U Vody Park as well as other revitalized, underutilized key sites in Holešovice, Troja, Císařský Island, and other areas in the Troja Basin. The game encourages a deeper relationship with the river and introduces topics such as the city''s connection to the river, flooding, bank revitalization, and barriers, all while highlighting key landmarks around the Vltava River in Prague 7 in a fun and educational manner. It also fills in missing topics in school curricula, such as environmental education, natural sciences, and history, and is designed for groups of elementary and high school students.
Another activity promoting the project was a professional conference for school representatives and staff from organizations involved in formal and informal education for children and youth. The expert and general public were introduced to the new layout of the area at the international "City and River" conference held at the Center for Architecture and Urban Planning. This was followed by "Day for the Troja Basin" – an event for the public, especially families with children, and the presentation of the park design at the "Troja Plans" exhibition. The final activity was a guided tour of the park, organized after the completion and opening of a section of it.
All these accompanying activities helped raise awareness among the project''s target group about the creation of a new green space offering relaxation and sports opportunities in Prague 7.
Thanks to this project Prague 7 City District has gained another quality urban park area dedicated to leisure time, an outdoor learning facility for children from the local schools, an well as an educational urban game area and a place for community meet ups which respects the approaches to adaptation for climate change. The newly created Park offers to the people the chance to relax and enjoy its pleasant surroundings. The Park becomes a meeting place for people from neighbourhoods which strengthens community links and creates opportunities for common activities and shared interests. This enhances the feeling of togetherness and solidarity among the citizens. Thanks to the accessibility of outdoor areas and facilities for sports activities such as jogging routes, cycle paths, outdoor gym the Park invites the inhabitants to exercise and to spend actively their leisure time. Quality urban park areas not only contribute to the improvement of the appearance of the area, but also help decrease the impacts of heat island in an urbanised area and support biodiversity. In general it can be stated that the creation of the U Vody Park has and will have a positive impact on the quality of life, social cohesion, health of people and an overall attractiveness and economic prosperity of the particular city district.