As of today, the residents of Warsaw can enjoy the new Żerański Park – the first park in the capital with an open shoreline. The 13 hectare site on the western bank of the Żerań Canal between Modlińska and Płochocińska streets is a space that combines recreational and natural values, as well as a reminder of the site’s post-industrial past.
The area previously dominated by industrial buildings and degraded fragments of the waterfront was transformed into an attractive public space. Elements of the technical harbour landscape – polders, mooring poles and docking piers – have been preserved and have taken on a narrative and aesthetic function. Wooden piles were driven along the quay, referring to the history of the site, and fragments of prefabricated elements left over from the activities of local factories became an integral part of the northern composition, where they form shelter structures for fauna and vegetation.
Nature all over again
The project preserves and introduces new ecological niches. Around 500 trees of native species and more than 36,000 perennials have been planted in the park. Meadows and grasslands have been created in an area of more than 44,000sqm, and a further 7,000sqm is occupied by lawns. The northern zone with its dense vegetation, shrubs and herbs, as well as the debris pits, which are full of nooks and crannies, provide a separate nature sanctuary, closed to free exploration, which serves as a refuge for amphibians and small mammals. The park will feature educational boards explaining the role of nature and action for urban biodiversity.
Water and land-based activities
Żerański Park has been designed around the Żerań Canal, making recreation by the water the central theme of the development. In the southern part, three distinctive strips have been distinguished: wooded areas with walking paths; a boulevard in the vicinity of the gas pipeline control zone; and a quay strip created by widening the towpath. Along the canal, 12 new recreational jetties have been built which, together with the existing elements, allow the development of water sports and aquatic club activities throughout the year. For lovers of land-based activities, there are cycle paths, a rope park and a children’s playground.
In addition, more than 100 benches and seats, picnic shelters, platforms and 29 litter bins have been installed. An important part of the project is also to recognise the specifics of the area and ensure safety – the zones next to the gas pipeline were stripped of trees in accordance with the regulations and the northern part was fenced off as a nature sanctuary. Next year, the construction of a pavilion with a catering function and public sanitary facilities is planned and, as part of the civic budget project, a water playground for children.
The work was carried out by Inmel on the basis of documentation prepared by the TopoScape and Archigrest design offices. The area is also frequented by wild animals, including wild boars, so the municipality appeals for caution and asks dog owners to keep their pets on a leash.
photo: Krzysztof Babicki, ZZW
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