Lobzy Park: nature based solutions for river restoration

The Urban Planning and Development Institute of the City of Pilsen (ÚKRMP) initiated a study to identify the most suitable areas around the banks of their four rivers. Priority was given to flood risk management, but other aspects such as recreation potential were considered as well.

The Lobzy park lies on the river Úslava, which is the liveliest river in Pilsen, therefore having the highest flooding potential.

The Lobzy park was developed in 1935 in a former sandstone quarry but became abandoned after World War II. The place had already been used for recreational purposes by citizens living in adjacent neighbourhoods, and the proposed revitalisation provided a good opportunity for an expansion and a revamp of the existing area.

Four ponds were developed, serving as natural retention points, recreational pools as well as habitats for local fauna and flora.

This proved to be not an easy task, requiring a lot of time, many discussions with all relevant stakeholders, and much determination from the people who believed in the concept. “Having allies among city officials and being able to hold fact-based discussions was a major help”. As was the fact that there is an overlap between river restoration, life quality improvement and recreation site development: “The purpose of revitalisation is not only about flood prevention, but also about making rivers more integrated in the life of the city” explains Eva.

Integrated revitalisation in urban areas is oriented both towards the improvement of natural habitats in river valleys, and the improvement of the cultural landscape and public access.

Luckily, there were several supporting factors in place that made the realisation of the Lobzy park possible. The likelihood of the project becoming a popular recreation destination for locals and tourists alike was high. The area in question was located on a municipality-owned property.

There was financial support available from the EU funds and the district’s mayor was hugely supportive. According to Velebná Brejchová, this was a very important piece of the puzzle. “The mayor really wanted to make this happen, was able to obtain the financial resources and managed to negotiate conditions that made all stakeholders content. His involvement was key, because it’s hard for projects to pan out without political will”.

In 2017, an adaptation strategy was created and has since been integrated in the Strategic plan of the City of Pilsen. Climate change adaptation measures are now a consideration embedded in every new development project.

The restoration of rivers and riverbanks remains an important topic, with new projects being constantly developed and planned. Some of these include a second phase of the Lobzy park project, the realisation of flood management and a sports area on the Bozkovský island, the restoration of wetlands and ponds, as well as the riverbank restoration at the river Mže.

Pilsen has many other nature-based adaptation projects located on green roofs, incorporating green infrastructure and rainwater management. The implementation of green roofs and rainwater retention is always considered in the reconstruction of public buildings.

All newly built parking houses, for example, are equipped with these features. Some examples of recent projects include a complex public space revitalisation at Jiráskovo náměstí (town square), or a green roof at a local elementary school serving as an inspiring learning space.

Special sensors were placed on the roof to take various measurements, providing tangible evidence of the green infrastructure’s effects. Restoration is also underway around the central train station, with focus on greening of the area and on rainwater retention.

Furthermore, there is Depo Slovany, a larger project involving the modernisation of a tramway line terminal and development of an administrative building, where the country’s biggest green roof will be created. 

For municipalities interested in the implementation of blue/green infrastructure and nature-based adaptation solutions, Eva Velebná Brejchová has the following advice: “It is important to always consider the project in the context of the city, instead of treating it as an isolated matter. In this manner, it is easier to find synergies between subjects such as water, green spaces, recreation or transport, and often kill two or three birds with one stone. It’s always about people and very often also about money” adds Eva.

“Finding people who are personally invested into and passionate about the project helps with its realisation. You don’t always have to (or are able to) do everything at once, sometimes it is necessary to divide the project into smaller chunks, show that it is possible and gain public support to raise funds for the rest.”

For more inspiration and information on nature-based adaptation projects and river restoration:

Check out:

• A video about Lobzy Park
• Guide for Urban River Revitalisation.
• Pilsen’s Green Blue Infrastructure Guide.
• Finished projects in Pilsen.

Or explore related good practices, policy briefs and news articles below!