The City of Poznań has been intensively increasing the amount of greenery for several years through the implementation of various investments and the de-paving of urban areas. Thanks to these measures, new vegetation has already appeared on more than 26,000 square metres, improving the city’s microclimate and aesthetics. These investments are financially supported by European Union funds, from which Poznań has already obtained almost PLN 24 million.
As part of the de-paving process, the city is turning paved areas (such as wide pavements or unused parts of roadways) into green spaces. These measures are particularly valuable in densely built-up areas such as the city centre, the Old Town, Jeżyce, Wilda or Lazarus. Where there is a lack of space for new planting, reclaiming allows trees, shrubs and perennials to be introduced, improving rainwater retention and the safety of residents.
The intersection of Sienkiewicza, Gajowa and Kochanowskiego streets in Jeżyce, which is currently undergoing a green metamorphosis. Photo Bartosz Jankowski / ZDM
A great example of such an initiative is the area of Kassyusza and Galla Anonima streets, where a pocket park has been created. Further activities include work at the junction of Sienkiewicza, Gajowa and Kochanowskiego streets in Jeżyce. An asphalt square of more than 100 square metres will be transformed into a green square with plane trees, perennials, decorative shrubs and bulbous plants.
The pocket park in the area of Kassyusza and Galla Anonima streets. Photo Bartosz Jankowski / ZDM
There will also be green changes in the city centre. Work at the junction of Taczak, Taylor and Kościuszki streets is planned for next year. The upgrade here aims to ensure smooth traffic flow, improve pedestrian safety and designate green areas for new trees and shrubs. Vegetation will be planted at all entrances to the junction and along Taylor Street up to the junction with Kosciuszko Street. It is planned to plant 12 trees, such as plane trees and ginkgo trees, as well as almost 150 shrubs, including roses, hydrangeas and David’s budleys, and more than 300 perennials, such as catnip, perovskia, Chinese miscanthus, and ornamental bulbous plants, including ornamental garlic and hyacinths.
The intersection of Kościuszki, Taylor and Taczaka streets now and after reconstruction. Photo Bartosz Jankowski / ZDM
To improve pedestrian safety, the intersection will be elevated, which will slow down vehicle traffic. Along Taylor Street, a rest area will be created that will be stylistically related to the recently renovated Wojciech Cieślewicz square, located on the other side of the intersection, on Taczaka Street.
In Lazarus, in the popular Eki z Małeki square, modernisation will include planting 16 trees and more than 1,000 perennials and creating a friendly space for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Similar measures are envisaged in Wilda, where the intersection of Fabryczna, Prądzyńskiego and Madalińskiego streets will be redeveloped to increase greenery.
Eki z Małeki square in Lazarus at present and in the future. Photo: Google Earth and ZDM
Poznan has secured almost PLN 10 million in EU funds for the revitalisation of parks and modernisation of squares. Thanks to these funds, de-paving will be carried out, among others, in five educational institutions, where the old asphalt surfaces of playing fields will be replaced with more ecological surfaces. Another PLN 14 million from the National Fund for Environmental Protection will support the development of green infrastructure, including at the former Szyc Stadium and at School Complex No. 33.
Green corridors, retention ponds and a sensory garden for children are just some of the projects planned to significantly improve residents’ quality of life and make Poznań more environmentally friendly.
Source: Poznań City Roads Authority
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