New look of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square takes shape in Prague
The reconstruction of Jiřího z Poděbrad Square in Prague could be completed as early as next spring. Workers have already planted most of the trees, the special irrigation system is complete, and the fountain, which has not worked for years, is partially ready. The entire park will be adapted for leisure activities, including grassy areas.
The entire area is surrounded by barriers, excavators, machines, and construction workers. They are preparing to lay the pavement in the main part of the park, but the area to the left of the entrance to the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord, right in front of the primary school, is already finished.
This is fully wheelchair accessible, and there are also newly installed retractable bollards to prevent cars from entering, says the mayor of Prague 3, Michal Vronský:
"This place will be closed at all times. The posts, and the way they're positioned, allow the market to be stocked, but not when the kids are in school. There are many of them here in the morning, and parents used to drive them a lot. Combined with the markets, this led to some dangerous situations. Now, the area is protected and is primarily reserved for schools."
New, uniform paving made of Czech granite has been used for the surfaces, explains Miroslav Cikán, the architect of the entire square restoration:
"This is the new 'Prague normal,' which was chipped by hand a long time ago. This is something that is now ready for machine production and has been approved by the conservation authority, making it the first example of implementation. It has a solid, regular shape, and the loose joints filled with gravel should ensure proper drainage."
Two large rainwater tanks are also to help with the irrigation of shrubs, grass, flowers, and hundreds of new trees. One will ensure that even if it rains a lot, the water will remain under control, and the other will allow just watering the greenery.
And the water will be in the restored fountain after many years. It now looks like a huge dismantled stone building block, adds Mayor Michal Vronský:
"The water technology in the old fountain was there too, but it was rotted and unusable. The bottom part had to be dredged, and the entire structure rebuilt. The stones were cleaned and then placed on the new plinth with the updated technology. The fountain will now be able to function with water jetting."
On the other hand, the air outlet from the metro station will be new. The original one could not be used for technical reasons.
