Benches among greenery, neighborhood zones, playgrounds and sports fields, and community gardens. All of this will be located in a backyard in Warsaw's Praga district, which is being redeveloped. The project, implemented by the city, is the result of residents' involvement in caring for their immediate space.
photo by Ewa Benkel / ZZW
The courtyard under reconstruction is located in the quarter of Konopacka, Strzelecka, Środkowa and Stalowa streets. The hitherto heavily neglected space run over by cars is to become an oasis of greenery and a place for neighborhood meetings. It will be possible to relax, play and practice sports there. Residents have been working in this direction for a long time. In recent years they have organized integration events, neighborhood vigils or film screenings and theater performances. The redevelopment of the courtyard is to be the next stage of their efforts. The process of transformation was initiated by the activities of Iza Rutkowska and Pawel Jaworski with the Backyard Guardian. The School of Practical Sciences was also active in the courtyard space to work out a project with the residents to redevelop the place. The initiators of these activities, once completed, supported the residents in successfully competing for BO funds.
neighborhood activism
photo: civic budget materials
The project "Neighborhood backyard in Nowa Praga - sports and recreation zone", which was selected for implementation in the Civic Budget, benefits from this social energy. Its goal is to create a space conducive to active recreation, but also to strengthen neighborhood relations. The project was widely consulted with residents during workshops and meetings. Based on these, Ewa Benkel, a landscape architect at the Warsaw Greenery Board, prepared the implementation project. The project complies with the guidelines of the Capital Conservator of Monuments, as well as with the Accessibility Standards of the City of Warsaw.
first effects
photo by Ewa Benkel / ZZW
In 2020, the first stage of work on the development of the area was carried out - the exit from Konopacka Street to the courtyard area and parking spaces were built. A pedestrian surface, drainage troughs and a well were also created. The aesthetics of the space are enhanced by stepped prefabricated concrete pots placed there, in which roses bloom. Behind the pots grow four cherry trees.
a place for everyone
photo by Ewa Benkel / ZZW
The biggest changes, however, are yet to come. New alleys and sidewalks are being built, which will be easier to navigate for people with limited mobility who use wheelchairs. At the request of residents, provision has also been made for an ambulance or larger car to access the courtyard for removals. In the center of the courtyard there will be space for a recreational clearing, which will be shaded from the sun by a stately maple tree. The space will be equipped with new benches, hammocks, bicycle racks and pots for neighborhood crops. New attractions will also await the youngest. A playground with a safe surface, a basketball court and outdoor gym equipment will appear here.
