As long as the face of our land retains its full charm and beauty, so long will the eagle circle in the clouds above the Tatra Mountains, the sapphire kingfisher soar above the waters, the Apollo butterfly flit over the mountain meadows, and bison, elk and bears reign supreme in the Polish forests – Władysław Szafer.
The words of this eminent Polish naturalist serve as a reminder of how important it is to care for nature, both in the wild and within urban spaces. A project is currently underway in Rzeszów (PL) and Ivano-Frankivsk (UA) aimed at developing a sustainable approach to urban green space management in both cities.
Władysław Szafer Park in Rzeszów has undergone a comprehensive transformation. Residents can now enjoy the refurbished green space created as part of the project ‘City Parks Matter – a new approach to urban greenery management in Ivano-Frankivsk and Rzeszów’ (ParksMatter), implemented jointly by Ivano-Frankivsk City Council and the Rzeszów Municipality.
Renovated paths and surfaces, new plantings, benches, footbridges over waterways and an expanded playground have transformed the way residents can enjoy this space.
City parks: a natural shield for residents
In large cities, green spaces are an important part of the urban environment. They influence the local microclimate, help regulate the water cycle, reduce water pollution and, thanks to their extensive vegetation, lower temperatures on hot days. Parks are also places for socialising, recreation and relaxation.
Both Rzeszów and Ivano-Frankivsk faced similar challenges relating to the management of their urban parks: old, neglected vegetation, a lack of modern infrastructure, and the need to adapt these spaces to the contemporary needs of residents. Rzeszów and Ivano-Frankivsk have been twin towns since 2000, and the ParksMatter project provides a further opportunity for joint action, the exchange of experiences and the sharing of best practice in the management of urban green spaces.
Władysław Szafer Park, situated in a densely populated part of Rzeszów, had long been in need of modernisation. The ParksMatter project addressed these needs by creating a space that combines care for nature with the comfort of local residents. Meanwhile, in Ivano-Frankivsk, plans include, i.a., a tree survey in three municipal parks and the creation of a green space database. A large, themed playground complex will be built, featuring facilities for children with disabilities, garden beds and a compost bin, as well as educational zones where children can learn about environmental protection and ecology. Among other things, bird feeders and hedgehog houses will be installed. In addition, plans include the creation of spaces for elderly people and the modernisation of the dog run and sports pitch.
As part of their collaboration, the project partners organised the International Green Spaces Forum in Rzeszów, during which experts from Poland and Ukraine shared their experiences in the design and maintenance of green spaces. Participants also discussed current trends and the role of green spaces in sustainable urban development.
An integral part of the project was a study visit to Lublin and Zamość, during which representatives from Rzeszów and Ivano-Frankivsk learnt about the functioning of urban green spaces by visiting parks and local environmental initiatives. The visit provided inspiration for the implementation of best practices.
Cross-border cooperation will also result in the development of a strategic plan for urban green space management covering both cities. The document will set out how to maintain parks in the long term, how to plan new green spaces and how to involve residents in nature conservation.
Education and environmental awareness
The project also includes educational activities designed to raise residents’ awareness of the value of urban green spaces. These have included campaigns on social media and on partners’ websites, as well as workshops and events for children. Pre-schoolers from five nurseries in Rzeszów took part in nature-themed sessions, during which they learnt about the role of trees, parks and the local natural environment. These sessions served as an engaging introduction to further environmental education and, for many children, were their first opportunity to discover the fascinating world of nature in their immediate surroundings.
The next stage consisted of outdoor workshops for primary school pupils, which took place in the refurbished park. Under the guidance of certified arborists, a dendrologist and naturalists, the children explored the world of trees and urban greenery through observation, touch and hands-on experience. A major highlight was learning tree climbing – that is, safe climbing in trees – which allowed them to view nature from a different perspective. Despite the unfavourable weather, the participants were in high spirits and showed great enthusiasm. A total of 350 pupils from two schools in Rzeszów took part in the workshops. Educational board games, prepared especially for the occasion, helped them to consolidate their knowledge of nature and urban greenery.
On social media, park-goers are already sharing their initial thoughts on the changes that have taken place in the park:
A brilliant park, especially since it was refurbished. Great new paths, walkways along the water’s edge with a little bridge. Brand-new play equipment in the playground, and a beautiful pond with ducks swimming in it.
The paths and infrastructure have been thoroughly refurbished, with paved surfaces, new paths laid out, new plantings, plenty of new benches, footbridges over the waterways, and an expanded children’s playground with new attractions. A place to find an oasis of respite and tranquillity right in the heart of the city.
A very lovely park. I’d recommend it for a peaceful stroll. Playground: Great for young children.
It’s lovely. A great place for a walk, to relax and get close to nature.
In summary, urban green spaces are an excellent area for developing cross-border cooperation, and proven methods for their sustainable development and maintenance yield tangible results in the form of spaces that benefit residents, nature and future generations.
You can read more about the project HERE.
