History and greenery - revitalization of the park in Warsaw

Narrative

The modernized Park of Action "Burza" combines a recreational function with a historical one – it is a symbolic place, commemorating the events of the Warsaw Uprising in 1944 and built on the ruins of the destroyed capital. The central point of the park is the Warsaw Uprising Mound. As part of the revitalization project, the area around the Mound (with an area of approx. 8.1 ha) was ordered and developed in accordance with the historical symbolism of this place, as well as with a view to protecting nature, which naturally developed here. In the park, m.in a nature path and a footbridge among trees were created. As part of the modernization, a playground for children was also created, made mainly of natural materials. At the entrance to the park, an exhibition has been designed that tells the story of the destroyed Warsaw and its reconstruction. The history of the capital is also referred to by the viewing platform with the renovated symbol of the Fighting Polish, mounted on the top of the Warsaw Uprising Mound. Two routes lead to the top of the Mound – stairs with places to relax and illuminated railings, and newly built ravines, whose walls are made of rubble concrete. Rubble obtained during construction was used to form them, which is a reference to the history of the Mound, which was built after the war from the rubble of Warsaw. As part of the modernization, over 450 young park trees and about 8.5 thousand forest tree seedlings were planted in the park, as well as numerous shrubs and perennials of native species. Wilderness zones with limited human accessibility have also been preserved. Along the nature trail there are boards in Polish and English, informing about the specificity of ruderal nature, pioneer plant species, fauna and flora of this place. Benches and recreation areas for residents have also been designed there. As part of the modernization project, the park has been adapted to the needs of people with disabilities or carers with children. These people can get to the top of the Mound bypassing the stairs. The road around the hill was led through ravines with a gentle slope, and the steep ascent to the very top of the Mound was softened and equipped with ramps to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility and their assistants.

Financial data

The reconstruction of the park under the Warsaw Uprising Mound cost over PLN 24 million (over EUR 5,25 million). The investment was carried out as part of an EU project involving the reconstruction of three historical parks in Warsaw worth PLN 38,963,046.00 (about EUR 8,531,431.00), EU funding PLN 21,612,916.00 (about EUR 4,732,410.00)

Recommendations

The children's recreation area is aesthetic and was made of natural materials – the instruments are made mainly of wood, the substrate is sprinkled with sand or sawdust. The playground has been designed surrounded by trees, which allows you to use this area also in hot weather. The project also includes water elements, which additionally give the possibility of cooling in summer. At the road leading through the gorge (alternative to the stairs) there is no sign that this is a route adapted to the needs of people with disabilities or carers with children moving in prams. The scope of the EU project covered the area directly around the Mound, but the area at the entrance has not been modernized – in this place there is a not very aesthetic parking lot equipped only with a portable toilet. At a later stage of work, however, the Greenery Board of the Capital City of Warsaw is also planning changes at the entrance square to the park, which would certainly improve the cohesion of the entire investment.