In Slaný, the first phase of the restoration of the First Republic Park Benar has been completed

Slaný – In Slaný, the first phase of the restoration of the First Republic park Benar, which was created according to the design of architect Josef Kumpán, has been completed. It will be permanently open from July; today the public had a special opportunity to view it thanks to the Weekend of Open Gardens.

The costs of the modifications have so far reached nearly 30 million crowns. The city councilors will decide on the release of several million crowns for further phases, which will include, for example, the repair of the aqueduct, the construction of a children's playground, or adventure golf. It will replace the minigolf, which was one of the popular features in the park in the past, said Mayor Martin Hrabánek during today's ceremonial opening of the park to ČTK.

The park restoration began two years ago. It was carried out by landscape architects Kamila and Přemysl Krejčiřík, who specialize in the restoration of old parks and gardens. "It is always important for us to know who was before us and how they thought," stated Krejčiříková. According to her, it was not initially clear who the author of the original garden was. The author of the concept was only identified during subsequent research. "We knew that this park is a heartfelt issue for the people of Slaný, but we had no idea of its historical appearance and the significance it holds," added Hrabánek.

The work was complicated by a greater need for drainage than originally anticipated. The structure of a decorative element around the pool had to be demolished as it did not have proper stability. Extensive modifications also affected the greenery. Visitors will benefit from new benches and paved paths. Water features, including a fountain, are also included. The restoration of the original pool was not possible due to current sanitary regulations, symbolically it is recalled by paving with water jets.

The planned restoration of the aqueduct will cost approximately two million crowns, and the construction of a sports field complemented by children's features will amount to one million crowns. The adventure golf will be located in the area in a different spot than the former minigolf, as it would not fit into the First Republic concept according to the mayor. The price will depend on its scope.

Josef Kumpán (1885 to 1961) also designed parks near the Lány and Zbraslav castles and the Rose Garden in Prague's Petřín. He is the author of nearly 1400 plans for gardens, parks, orchards, cemeteries, and sports facilities. The city of Slaný acquired the neglected park and the heritage-protected castle for free from an investor who is building an apartment building nearby. According to Hrabánek, the castle could potentially house a restaurant in the future, but there are still more options including its use for a kindergarten.