The Dragon Fountain in Pardubice, according to the mayor, will not be repaired before the elections

Pardubice – The dragon fountain in Bubeníkovy sady in Pardubice, which has been out of operation for four seasons, will not be repaired before the end of the election term. Its fate will be decided by the councilors who will emerge from the autumn municipal elections. The question is whether they will want to embark on an expensive reconstruction. This was stated by the mayor of the district, Filip Šťastný (ANO).

"At the district development committee, it was mentioned that we should leave it for now and address it in the new election term, what to do with it. One option is that it should have a different use, or that a completely different element would be built. For it to function as a fountain, without leaking, it would require a complete reconstruction," said the mayor.

The fountain, built in 1995, has serious structural defects and needs a major reconstruction, which would involve removing the sprayed concrete down to the wire frame, underpinning the element, and applying concrete again. "Some basins are sinking. Foundations need to be created," said the mayor. According to him, the repair would be more expensive than building the water feature anew.

The pastel-colored fountain designed by architect Petr David has been out of operation for the fourth season. Its shapes resemble a dragon's body. Large horns protrude from it, from which water used to spout. The fountain was funded by a city foundation in 1995. It was also out of operation in the past; for example, from 2013 to 2014, it was necessary to ensure the stability of one basin that was sinking. The tiles were also replaced.

If the district does not restore the disabled fountain, according to some opinions, it could become a children's playground or a large flowerpot. The initiative We Stand for the Fountain! is striving to save the fountain. They feared that the city might demolish the water feature without communication with the public. In 2024, they organized an electronic petition. For many residents, the fountain represents one of the symbols of the city. "It is beautiful, it belongs in Bubeníkovy sady, it would be a shame to destroy it," wrote one of the signatories.