Piła – a true story

Learn how Piła in Poland is becoming a model for urban greenery through a pioneering project supported by the EEA and Norway Grants (originally written by Paweł Nowak).

Works in the educational garden next to Okrąglak ©️ Piła City Hall

This ambitious project aims to revitalise the city by integrating extensive green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Led by local authorities and backed by the EEA and Norway Grants, the initiative focuses on creating parks, planting trees, and restoring natural habitats within the urban setting.

What do Poles associate the Piła town with? The song by the polish band Strachy na Lachy? A light bulb factory? A deer on a famous neon sign? This article tells a story of a city with an idea for its development, a town which is not afraid to apply for funds and then use them to the benefit of its residents. Paweł Nowak, Communication and Promotion Unit, Department of Assistance Programmes, Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy

The benefits of Piła’s transformation extend beyond mere aesthetics. The enhanced green spaces are designed to improve air quality, reduce urban heat, and provide peaceful retreats for community interaction and recreation. Educational programs and community involvement activities enhance the project, building a sense of responsibility and environmental care among Piła's residents.

Piła from a bird's eye view photo Grzegorz Paluch, source Facebook Miasto Piła

Piła from a bird's eye view ©️ Grzegorz Paluch, source Facebook Miasto Piła

Find out more about the project here: https://www.pila.pl/fundusze-norweskie.html

The project "The City of Piła with new energy!" obtained over PLN 17 million in funding from the EEA and Norway Grants under the Local Development Programme.

This article was originally written by Paweł Nowak (Communication and Promotion Unit, Department of Assistance Programmes, Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy).

For a deeper dive into how Piła is setting a benchmark for urban sustainability, read the full article here: https://www.eog.gov.pl/en/site/news/pila-a-true-story/