Ústí nad Orlicí opened the revitalized park by the Roškot Theatre

Ústí nad Orlicí – After more than a year and a half of renovations, Ústí nad Orlicí has officially opened the revitalized park near the Roškot Theatre. According to the city council, the area will become a modern green oasis in the heart of the city for relaxation, gatherings, and cultural events. The costs amounted to approximately 75 million crowns, of which 30 million crowns came from the IROP program – Green Infrastructure of Cities and Villages.

The transformation of the originally neglected park was realized according to the design of architect Vladimír Šolc. He designed a space that naturally connects to the architecture of the Roškot Theatre, which is a national cultural monument. Instead of classical pathways, the park features open areas for walks and picnics. A highlight remains the mature greenery, supplemented by new trees, shrubs, and flowers. An automatic irrigation system has been installed for vegetation care.

Compared to the past, a relaxation terrace has been added in front of the main entrance to the theatre, from which there is a view into the park. Below it, tiered seating has emerged, which can serve as an auditorium for cultural events or just as a place for quiet sitting. A natural children's playground, a pergola, as well as a water feature and public restroom have also been added. "A new feature is the outdoor terrace of the future café or restaurant, which is connected to the park. The city expects the opening of the former theatre club next year. The operation of all elements will be gradually fine-tuned in the first months of operation to the satisfaction of visitors," stated the mayor of the city, Petr Hájek (Oušťáci).

The revitalization also brought new entrances to the park from Husova, Ježkova, and Lukesova streets. In particular, the last one has brought a fundamental transformation and offers an open connection to the surrounding buildings. The park also includes a Poesiomat. This device, shaped like a submarine periscope, has a handle that sings and tells stories about the place when turned, and is being installed across the Czech Republic by local native Ondřej Kobza. It will offer listeners, for example, poems by spiritual figure and publicist Ervín Kukuczka, music by composer Jaroslav Kocian, verses by David Vávra about the Roškot Theatre, or the song Imaginární hospoda by Slávek Janoušek. Other works associated with Ústí nad Orlicí will include Oustecké povídky by Marie Rollerová or recipes from the Household Cookbook by Czech educator Magdalena Dobromila Rettigová.

The city has been discussing the renewal of the park since the 1990s. It was preceded in 2023 by the demolition of the Jander villa from 1911. Some council members and residents opposed its demolition. A heritage assessment stated that the building has no architectural value and is not protected as a monument. Based on this, the city then proceeded to have the villa removed. However, this delayed the work on the park's restoration.