For several weeks, White Seas - a huge undeveloped area located in Lagiewniki - has become the main topic of discussion in Krakow. Two concepts have emerged in the public discourse - the creation of a golf course or a public park. The latter option won out.
From time to time in Krakow, unique opportunities arise to introduce changes on an unprecedented scale in Poland. The discussion about changing the character of the Wesoła district is still going on, and now the issue of developing the great area that is the White Seas has appeared on everyone's lips.
In 2015, as a result of a bidding process, the Board of Sports Infrastructure in Krakow concluded a lease agreement for the area for a period of thirty years with the Golf&Spa Resort company. A modern golf course with a sports and recreation complex was to be built on the site. As ZIS points out, the tenant violated some of the provisions of the agreement, so it was terminated. The proceedings ended at the end of 2021, and since then the issue of developing the White Seas has returned to public discussion.
The creation of a golf course on the land, however, was still under consideration. The arguments included the issue of the area 's accessibility to residents, which activists from the association Rescue Action for Krakow fought for, as well as the alleged elitism of golf, which coincided with the twitter rants of suspended Law and Justice party member Malgorzata Jacyna-Witt. In the end, the city decided to create an urban green space.
White Seas - the area where the new park is to be built
Photo: Jan Graczynski, © Krakow.pl
We decided to develop a new concept for this open area - as a green space with recreation areas, jogging paths, for skaters, with park elements. This will make the area accessible to more Cracovians," says Andrzej Kulig, deputy mayor for social and municipal policy.
The authorities also mention a desire to start workshop work in late September/early October, as well as inviting experts from the Agricultural University in Wroclaw, who would propose a concept based on residents' demands. The entities that will take care of the development of this space will be the Sports Infrastructure Board and the Urban Greenery Board.
what will the future bring?
What will the future of the White Seas look like? It is difficult to raise shouts of joy today, as there is still a long way to go before this space is fully developed. The White Seas can be an exceptional showcase for Lagiewniki, as well as for the efforts of the city of Krakow, which has been striving for years to obtain the title of Green Capital of Europe. Everything depends on the process of consultation with residents and adaptation, and maybe even on organizing a competition to gather the best ideas?
White Seas - the area where the new park is to be built
Photo: Jan Graczyński, © Krakow.pl
