In spite of the coronavirus pandemic, when no one knows how fast and in what ways various anti-epidemic measures are changing, Prague is not lagging behind with innovations. For the inhabitants of the metropolis, they come up various revitalizations and restorations of what we lack so much, and that are public green spaces. After the introduction of a new cyclist path that will lead from Vršovice to Hostivař, the city now introduces the concept of a nature park between Karlín and Libeň.
One of the most neglected parts of Prague will get a brand new coat. We could talk about the new "lungs" of the city, although it will not reach the size of New York's Central Park.
In the meander of the Vltava river, on an area spanning 56 ha, Prague plans to partially preserve the urban wilderness and gradually adjust most of the area for leisure activities. The new solution will also fulfill the function of flood protection in Prague.
One of the largest parks in Prague will be created next to the new district, which grows on the border of Karlín and Libeň. The location will thus become an attractive place not only for living and working, but also for relaxation. The whole area still lacks a large public space for sports and meetings. Therefore, the capital, through the Institute of Planning and Development, will address the future shape of Rohan Island in cooperation with local actors and residents. We have something to look forward to.
"The project will not only provide additional opportunities for recreation in the city center, expand biodiversity and restore direct contact with the river, but also protect the city from floods,"
says Petr Hlubuček, Deputy Mayor for the Environment. The location has long been part of the flood protection of the city center.
"The aim of the project is to lower the level of the Vltava river during floods, and especially to slow down the flow of the river. We will achieve this by lowering the terrain level and creating a new bypass canal of the river. Following the landscaping, the area of the new Rohan Island between the existing cyclist path and the Vltava riverbed will be adapted for recreation,"
explains Petr Hlubuček. The project combines a water management function with the local landscape and at the same time brings the citizens of Prague leisure activities.
"We want to build on the history and traditions of the area. We are also counting on the restoration of the island, which has been here for centuries, albeit in a different place, "
In addition to the park, the area also awaits the construction of thousands of apartments and administrative buildings, which are being created along Rohanské nábřeží Street as part of the Rohan City project.
The Libeň Bridge has been in catastrophic condition for many years. Its demolition or reconstruction were both being debated. It is a thorn in everyone's eye, but conservationists are trying to save it in its current form. The concept of Rohan Island also includes its reconstruction. The revised study envisions the repair of the historic Pavel Janák Bridge from 1928 and the creation of a new flood bridge, which is also part of flood control measures (flood bridge is a bridge that serves as a preventive protection of the road against floods, editor's note). As part of the reconstruction, sidewalks will be widened, bicycle lanes will be created along the entire length of the bridge and completely new barrier-free ramps will be built to access Rohanský ostrov.
The final form of the park will be decided on the basis of an international tender with a competitive dialogue, which will be announced in the autumn of next year and will last approximately one year. During it, the final Concept of Rohan Island will already be created.