Community involvement in the regeneration of neglected green space in Panevėžys residential area
About this good practice
In the recent years city’s administration had the focus on regenerating the main parks and the biggest green areas in the city. Therefore, smaller communities were keen to keep and take care of the smaller areas of public land with vegetation. One of the neglected green areas were in residential area called Kniaudiškiai, and municipality noticed the local initiative which was followed by the involvement of local residents in regenerating the green land into recreational park.
During the collaboration with locals and various artists, the idea was generated to bring to life the well-known folk tale "The Queen of the Serpents", whose motifs are visually reflected through the park's plantings and infrastructure, promoting cognition, education and a connection with nature. According to the well-thought blueprints, the symbols of the fairy tale were incorporated into the green environment of the park and is what sets it apart. The new park is developed in stages and some parts of it are left rather unconventional way - it will be uncultivated to reveal the beauty of the natural environment and to protect biodiversity. The new recreational space is also accessible to people with disabilities.
Stakeholders: Panevėžys municipality, Panevėžys local community of Kniaudiškiai-Molainiai, the townspeople and visitors
Beneficiaries: Panevėžys local communities. Art and culture institutions. Artists and Residents. The townspeople and visitors.
Resources needed
The total value of the project is EUR 617,668.92, including EUR 525,018.58 from the EU and EUR 92,650.34 from the Panevėžys City Municipality budget.
Evidence of success
The Kniaudiškiai park was opened in summer’ 2024, therefore we’ll update with visitor quantities and actual running costs after a full year of operation.
However, since the early spring of 2024, high interest from locals and also from townspeople from other residential areas was noticed, incl. park visits and discovery of all the different plants, flowers and threes in their wild environment within the city park.
Potential for learning or transfer
The case of Kniaudiškių park illustrates how different aspects of NEB can be incorporated in a project, developed and implemented by municipality:
• Sustainability – renewal of green area, sustainable use of water, preservation of biodiversity
• Inclusivity – inclusion of local surrounding communities in the development of project concept, park activities for people, renewed recreational area with increased accessibility
• Aesthetics – application of local culture elements (folk tale integration)
The main advice is to try co-create various ideas with locals and also with various artists – some workshops and brainstorm sessions might bring the most amazing ideas even from fairy tales!
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Panevezys City Municipality Administration