Completed investment in Kuźnica Kołłątajowska Park on Banacha Street
In the southern part of Kuźnica Kołłątajowska Park on Banacha Street in Krakow, an investment was carried out as part of the LIFE PACT project, implementing nature-based solutions to improve the city's resilience to climate change. The project included the construction of a rain garden, increased rainwater retention, increased biodiversity and the integration of recreational functions with environmental education. The location was chosen after analysing reports from residents and district councils, which pointed to the problem of local flooding and the need to revitalise the space. The participatory process was key: consultations and workshops made it possible to adapt the project to the actual needs of users, including adjustments to the layout of paths according to existing footpaths and the placement of benches and insect houses.
The scope of the investment included the construction of a rain garden basin to retain rainwater from paved areas, the planting of trees and shrubs resistant to local conditions, and the installation of small architectural elements such as benches and hammocks. An educational function was also introduced in the form of information boards. The challenge was to ensure the proper shaping of the basin and to control the moisture level in order to limit the formation of mosquito habitats. The project, implemented iteratively with the participation of residents and municipal units, has become an example of effective adaptation of urban space to climate challenges while maintaining its recreational functions.
The implementation of the project in Kuźnica Kołłątajowska Park allowed for an increase in biologically active area and improvement of the microclimate through the planting of 8 trees, 306 shrubs and 1,838 perennials adapted to local habitat conditions. The rain garden, with an area of 27.7 m² and a capacity of 7.94 m³, serves a retention function, reducing the risk of local flooding and supporting rainwater infiltration. The investment also took into account the recreational needs of residents: benches, hammocks, litter bins and educational elements were installed, which increases the comfort of using the space and raises the environmental awareness of users.
The conceptual and executive work was carried out using an iterative model, allowing for ongoing changes based on public consultations and agreements with municipal authorities. Technical challenges included the need to adapt the development to existing soil conditions and reduce the risk of waterlogging, which was solved by appropriate terrain profiling and the use of well-thought-out plant solutions.
The project confirmed that early involvement of residents and close cooperation with municipal technical units promotes social acceptance and effective implementation of adaptation measures. The model used has the potential to be replicated in other locations in Krakow, enabling the implementation of nature-based solutions in a systematic manner tailored to the needs of the community. The investment is an example of the effective use of urban space, where water retention, biodiversity protection and environmental education are harmoniously combined with recreational functions and the aesthetic organisation of public space.
