In Ostrava, renovations of Smetanova park have begun

Ostrava – In the Ostrava district of Mariánské Hory and Hulváky, comprehensive renovations of Smetan's Park began today. The work costing 8.7 million crowns commenced with the remediation of the trees, and the transformation will be completed in July. The city's spokesperson Andrea Vojkovská informed the journalists about this.

The park will feature new furniture and lighting; gardeners will plant hundreds of perennials, grasses, and bulbs including tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and irises. It will also include references to the work of the world-renowned composer Bedřich Smetana. The proposal also includes the creation of new pedestrian paths, the addition of a bike rack, and the establishment of a sandbox for children.

"The part of the park closest to the panel buildings will serve as a resting place for parents with children and seniors, while the area near the entrance to the high school building will provide ample space for students to meet and relax briefly," said Deputy Mayor Kateřina Šebestová (ANO).

She added that the park consists of two rows of mature trees that the city intends to preserve as much as possible. The existing greenery will be complemented by new trees. Along the eastern side of the park, where there is a fence for family home gardens, there will be a hedge of red yew. New walkways in the central area will use natural materials, while part of the other areas will be made of colored asphalt. The park will feature benches made of stone and tropical wood. The amenities will also include stone seating walls.

"The park will feature several references to Bedřich Smetana. In the paved area of the central part, the names of symphonic poems from the cycle Má vlast will be engraved into stone slabs. The backs of the benches made of tropical wood will feature burned musical motifs from The Brandenburgers (in Bohemia), The Devil's Wall, Dalibor, The Two Widows, The Kiss, Libuše, The Bartered Bride, and The Secret. Only the unfinished Viola will be missing. A newly installed information board will also pay tribute to Bedřich Smetana," added architect and designer Iveta Seitzová.