The modernisation of Konin’s Wolności Square was completed in September this year. Its new appearance, however, aroused mixed feelings and controversy from the outset. The pond that appeared in the southern part of the square was criticised the most. Since the works were completed, two elderly people and a car have already fallen into the pool. After a series of incidents, the Konin authorities applied a rather unusual safety measure at the unlucky site. Concrete pots with thuyas placed around the water feature have become the subject of heated debate among residents. Will this solution prove effective or will it only highlight the absurdity of the whole situation?
As part of the work, small-leaved lime trees were planted in the southern part of the square, and perennials and ornamental grasses in the northern part. Benches integrated with plant pots were also placed. The changes also included the organisation of traffic. Parking spaces on the east and north sides of the square have been removed. Parking will still be possible on the west side, where twelve parking spaces have been designated.
Bike racks and new litter bins have also been installed. In addition, a new fountain, reminiscent of a river, has appeared in the modernised square. The water is designed to flow through it from east to west, and the whole thing is illuminated by LED lights. The structure is approximately 21 metres long and between 0.7 and 2.2 metres wide. The total cost of the works amounted to more than PLN 2 million, and the investment was part of the project ‘Green urban corridors – a climatic awakening in Konin’, co-financed from Norwegian funds.
The modernised square was controversial from the start, especially with regard to the new water element. There have already been several incidents in the empty fountain basin – two elderly people and a car fell in there. After the latest incident, in which a woman reported her claims to City Hall, it was decided to increase precautions.
Safeguards for the installation previously included LED backlighting and concrete posts. Now, however, in addition, pots with thuyas have been placed around the fountain to effectively prevent accidental falls. This, according to Mayor Korytkowski, is to prevent people from entering it “unnoticed”.
Although the municipal authorities assure that the pots are intended to improve safety, many residents cannot hide their laughter and embarrassment. “Still put up signs saying “WARNING THERE IS A HOLE “”, “A bit thujowo 
” and “This whole transformation is one failure and a waste of taxpayers’ money, aren’t there any spatial architects, a child would do a better design🫣🫣🫣🫣” are just a few of the comments criticising and mocking the whole situation.
Such a solution, instead of leveling the controversy, becomes another flashpoint in the discussion about the professionalism of officials and the sensibility of spending public money. The refreshed Wolności Square was supposed to be a showpiece of Konin – in the meantime, it is becoming a symbol of a lack of vision and ineptitude in managing public space.
Source: LM.pl
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Metamorphosis | Squares, Squares, Parks | Ecology | Monument | Konin
