Sad Janka Kráľa attracts many Bratislava residents (source: TASR)
THE SAD Janka Kráľa public park in the Petržalka district of Bratislava is to get a series of memorial benches commemorating famous personalities. The first such bench should be dedicated to Janko Kráľ, after whom the park along the Petržalka embankment of the Danube River is named.
A company involved in work on the nearby Aupark shopping centre came up with the proposal. Part of the project will also involve repairs to the park’s existing benches, many of which are in a poor state, the SITA newswire wrote. The local council welcomed the corporate initiative to help revitalise Sad Janka Kráľa. Three years ago, the council undertook the first stage of renovation; currently, a project for a second phase is being prepared. The municipality wants to apply for resources from European Union (EU) funds, but it must partially cover the costs in order to get them. This is where financial help from businesses could be particularly beneficial.
Revitalisation of the park is supposed to take two years, and costs were assessed at €1.83 million (Sk 55 million). The existing infrastructure, mainly asphalt pathways and paving are to be reconstructed, and the lighting improved. Benches and fountains will also be renewed, and toilets renovated to allow disabled access. Project leaders are also seeking to restart use of the old amphitheatre for cultural events.
District Mayor Milan Ftáčnik told SITA that “this, the oldest park, deserves to remain an open space; but at an improved level compared to its current state.”
