Revival of Panevezys Park
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Which funds
Other Funds
The project was implemented in accordance with the 2014–2020 European Regional Development Fund investment actions Priority 7 of the program “Quality employment and participation in the labour market promotion" under the measure “Complex development of the large cities”.
Description of the project
Summary
Panevezys City Cultural and Recreation Park is one of the largest public spaces in Panevezys, covering more than 39ha. However the park was unattractive with worn trails, remaining playground elements from the Soviet era, abandoned green areas, the network of bicycle and pedestrian paths was in very bad condition, there was only one worn children’s playground in the whole park, the lighting system was outdated and insufficient, there was a lack of small architectural elements and active recreation places. The park was unsafe and there was a lack of parking spaces for visitors. Before starting the project for the modernisation of the park, members of the local community, as potential park visitors, were invited to express their suggestions and ideas on how to refurbish the park so that it was not only beautiful but also comfortable for people of all ages and needs. Several ideas were born about the installation of children's, sport and disc golf playgrounds, a dog training ground, seniors trail with an outdoor gym. Children presented their suggestions in drawings about what a dream playground might look like. After the evaluation of all the proposals, a technical project was prepared and community proposals were implemented. At the end of 2019, the park was revived for a new life. The park’s territory was divided into active and quiet recreation areas, the Nevėžis coastline has been cleaned and opened, the main walkway, bicycle paths and general layout of the park have been formed. When planning the walkways, it was taken into account the paths between trees people had walked through, so new comfortable paths were laid where the visitors are most comfortable. Even a bridge was built, after noticing that a significant flow of inhabitants on their daily commuting on foot crosses the park through a dry stream through a rather deep ravine. As a result, a wide variety of minor changes to the park’s layout have been made, which have brought great comfort to the community.
Key objectives for sustainability
The project aimed to encourage residents to actively use sustainable means of transport. The project contributes to the implementation of the principles of sustainable development – tidying up of one of the green areas in the city and development of infrastructure for pedestrian and cycling traffic have been carried out. Almost 4 km long circular bicycles and pedestrian path winding through the entire territory of the park was constructed. This path is lit, surveillance cameras are installed in the territory, so it is safe to ride even at night. Since this path connects with another important city bicycle path, visitors can conveniently reach the park by sustainable vehicles- by bicycle, with scooters and others.
All lanterns renewed in the territory of the park are light-emitting diodes that save energy, durable and reliable. 220 lanterns not only illuminate the walkways but also have houses for birds. Called “Pregnant lamp, tree version – Tree” because it resembles a dry tree. The lantern is a simple construction with a small hole in the pole. ITS interior is unique because it hides a birdhouse made of wood, similar to those hanging on the trees. That is how the municipality reached an aim not to harm the breeding of birds living in the park. In addition, green classes were installed – benches in the existing green area abandoned natural environment and a side path for pedestrians near it.
In the area, the plantations grew in groups, massive, planted rows, single trees, and one alley. The arrays of trees and some groups were very dense. The subtree did not receive sunlight. After the thinning of damaged and inferior trees and the appearance of soil illumination, the underwood areas naturally began to form grass-plant communities, an ecosystem that provides benefits and aesthetic enjoyment. In this way, the ecological stability of the territory is formed and the biological diversity of the natural environment is created.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
At first glance, it seemed necessary to forme the landscape cuttings, but the natural formation of arrays of trees was chosen. Only dry, mechanically damaged trees and shrubs were removed. All newly established pedestrian paths have found room for themselves among the remaining healthy trees, and the existing habits of visitors of the park have been taken into account – not only the pavement of the existing paths changed but also legalised unofficial paths. A part of the park visitors commutes every day and chooses the nearest road. The main walkway runs through the stream. The river valley was dubbed a trail, erected through the stream, so the bridge for pedestrians and cyclists was a necessary connection. The bridge was designed in accordance with the tree silhouette image. As the river dries out during the dry period, its course was marked with irregularly arranged field stones. Nearby is a lounge with a table and a stationary grill for visitors’ leisure in a cosy environment. The park has become attractive and attractive all year round, for various age groups. The main functions were harmonized: sport, culture, games and natural elements. Active and passive activity zones are being created. The river Nevėžis, which runs along with the park territory, has been cleaned by the shores and observation sites were instaled. In the riverside, the path walked by visitors, is formed in a scalpel, equipped with lighting and benches for respite. A sandy beach with a volleyball court is arranged, and a natural amphitheatre for community meetings has been formed in the nearby valley. Children’s playgrounds are equipped with decorative lanterns that resemble trees in their appearance. Low-high lighting up to 1m at one of the entrances is planned to create a cosy communication environment. In the case of tree crown lighting, inlet lights are used from below. The creation of wells of light, which can be seen from a greater distance, will make the park more open and cosy.
Key objectives for inclusion
During the implementation of the project, it was expected that the strengthened existing attraction centre will increase the initiative of the citizens, commitment to the community and culture, and the condition of the public infrastructure will contribute to the attractiveness of the investment and business environment, which will create preconditions for the growth of employment and income, increase the confidence and satisfaction of the municipal residents with the local authority, at the same time improve the image of Panevėžys city. To achieve this goal, the public infrastructure of the Cultural and Recreation Park has been upgraded. The park’s territory, stream environment, Nevezis coastline, a beach, sightseeing sites, picnic places with tables, benches and permanent barbeques, an amphitheatre for community events, courtyards with sports equipment have been arranged. The arranged public space is suitable for the quality of recreation, recreation and leisure time for residents and guests of Panevėžys. This project was recognised as the best in Panevezys region at the national "Magnets of the Region" elections in 2020, in which Panevezys people voted actively. Such assessments by local people and year-round visitors’ park are the best rewards and reflections of engagement.
Results in relation to category
To meet the needs of the city community and guests of various ages for recreation, after the project western part of the Park was adapted for passive rest, and the eastern part – for active recreation. The park’s infrastructure has been modernised in a complex way – small trees and shrubs have been removed, green areas have been restored, trees and ornamental shrubs have been planted, pedestrian paths have been renovated and new bicycle paths have been constructed, a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists through a streamlet was built. the river Nevezis coastline has been cleaned and opened, a beach has been set up, a small architecture has been reorganised, 3 picnic places installed, the existing playground has been repaired and expanded, an additional 2 playgrounds have been set up, a dog breeding ground was equipped, and the territory of the Russian army’s cemetery of World War I were arranged. In the eastern part of the Park, there is an illuminated basketball/football court, fitness and outdoor gymnastics grounds, a wellness path for seniors with sandy islands, where rehabilitation facilities are suitable not only for seniors but also for people or adolescents with various disabilities. In the territory of the park the lighting grid system has been modernised, lighting has been installed in certain places on the pavement, tree crowns and other objects have been illuminated. Parking lots are planned for visitors’ needs, and surveillance cameras have been installed to ensure safety. Before the project it had been a town park reminiscent of Soviet times, no longer attractive to the public, with worn-out architectural elements. After the adorable changes the community was mobilized for active leisure using sustainable vehicles, the opportunity to breathe and admire the aesthetic harmony of nature, shared with other townspeople, and the wonderful space within it that reaches and liberates not only the heart but also the body.
How Citizens benefit
Panevėžys Culture and Recreation Park had to change to become attractive to spend leisure for the community. Members of local community, as potential park visitors, were invited to a meeting in April 2017 to express their suggestions and ideas on how to refurbish the park so that it was not only beautiful but also comfortable for people of all ages and needs. Several ideas were born about the installation of children's, sport and disc golf playgrounds, a dog training ground, seniors trail with an outdoor gym. Furthermore, all residents of the city were able to express their views by e-mail. Children presented their suggestions in drawings about what a dream playground might look like. After the evaluation of all the proposals, a technical project was prepared and community proposals were implemented. International attention was drawn to this involvement of society in the decisions. In December 2020, the 3rd Annual Citizen Engagement and Deliberative Democracy Festival presented the project of Panevezys Culture and Recreation park modernisation as one of the best examples of the unique involvement of citizens in providing ideas before design. This video recording about the project had been broadcasting during the exhibition https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eem8yicqsiI&feature=youtu.be
This opportunity for the community to become involved in the planning of future public space was a very successful solution, so the diversity of spaces created in the park, based on the opinion of the community, has proved its worth – now the park is full of life and movement all year round.
Innovative character
Many innovative solutions have been used to plan the future relief and separate elements of the park:
Rainwater drainage has been ingeniously solved. In children’s playgrounds, rubber mulch and rubber tiles are used to pass water. New pedestrian paths are designed with a slope of at least 2.5 % on both sides of the runway. The by-pass passageways with the bonded digestion coating are water-permitted, installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. At least a 2.5 % slope to the edges of the basketball and football field is also formed.
Visitors who want to exercise, but do not know what exercises can be done with a specific simulator, can drown the QR code installed on many devices and will be directed to a video with sports exercises and tips that are suitable for the specific device. This encourages persons for healthy training and testing the devices the ones who do not have experience and knowledge.
The fully renovated lighting system of the park. All lanterns renewed in the territory of the park are light-emitting diodes that save energy, durable and reliable. 220 lanterns not only illuminate the walkways but also have houses for birds. Called “Pregnant lamp, tree version – Tree” because it resembles a dry tree. The lantern is a simple construction with a small hole in the pole. ITS interior is unique because it hides a birdhouse made of wood, similar to those hanging on the trees. That is how the municipality reached an aim not to harm the breeding of birds living in the park. In addition, green classes were installed – benches in the existing green area abandoned natural environment and a side path for pedestrians near it.
