Vlčany
A progressive village that knows how to deal with water and public space
Basic info
Country:
Slovakia (Nitra Region, Western Slovakia)
Area:
39.76 km²
Population:
3136 inhabitants
Density:
78.87 inhabitants/km²
Summary:
The two park squares introduced contemporary landscape architecture with blue-green infrastructure elements and nature-based stormwater retention measures to the village centre of Vlčany, while preserving and enhancing its rural character. The design deals with two park squares – one at the church and the other one at the municipal office. The historical monuments at the church have been spatially integrated and a new market square was created at the artesian well, under tree canopies. The walkway to the municipal office is accompanied by a blossoming alley and the square is accentuated with a stylisation of a meandering river using perennial compositions. Both squares are equipped with water retention measures, such as rain gardens and water-permeable surfaces. The village approaches its local landscapes in a very thoughtful and conceptual way. They are continuously working on the improvement of public open and green spaces.
References:
https://www.archinfo.sk/diela/parkove-namestie-s-trhoviskom-vlcany.html
https://www.archinfo.sk/diela/park-s-promenadou-pred-obecnym-uradom-vlcany.html
https://www.szkt.sk/predstavujeme-vitazne-diela-sutaze-zahrada-park-detail-roka-2024/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384782322_VLCANY_FARKASD_Vidiecke_parkove_namestia_s_vodozadrznymi_opatreniami_Rural_Park_Squares_with_Water_Retention_Measureshttps://kamidueurofondy.sk/projekty/20711
Keywords
Biodiversity enhancement | Circularity and reuse | Climate-positive design | Community activation | Conceptual tree planting and care | Creating recreational infrastructure | Cultural heritage preservation | Enhancing architectural values | Environmental education | Flood and drought control | Green and open space design | Green infrastructure | Improving accessibility and connectivity | Integrated planning approach | Low-impact development | Nature protection | Nature-based solutions | Participation and inclusion | Repurposing sites and structures | Stormwater management | Strengthening local identity | Sustainable management practices | Using local resources | Water system restoration
Gallery
"We have achieved a significant reconstruction of our village centre, while building upon local traditions and approaches."
János Restár, Mayor of Vlčany
Issues Addressed
Vlčany is located in the Danube Lowland, on the river Váh, with vast agricultural landscapes. The main issue addressed in this case study public open space and water. The central public open spaces in the village centre did not have a clearly defined function, composition, nor design. Another important issue to be addressed was water. Given the fact that the village is situated in lowland landscape, water has been an issue for a long time, mainly in flooding periods. Traditionally, locals built simple grassed drainage ditches, that have been filled or built up and preserved only to some extent. Nowadays the problem consists not only in draining water away from buildings but also managing it in a more sustainable way. Stormwater and excess water from the artesian well were simply drained away and this valuable resource was not utilised by the municipality, while in dry summer periods, there was a lack of water.
Approaches and Solutions
Vlčany addresses the local landscape in a conceptual and continuous manner. Public amenities and services, including public open spaces play a crucial role from the municipality perspective. The municipality has implemented several development projects in the past year, in fruitful cooperation with architects, landscape architects and other professionals.
The village regularly plants new street trees and cares for local water bodies and groundwater resources, such as the local lakes, the river Váh and its main oxbow or the artesian well in the main square. New developments, such as the multifunctional building with flats and shops was organised around a green courtyard. The kindergarten at the reformed church has a designed open green space, and both the local schools and the kindergarten implement environmental education. The new cultural and sport centre integrates a vast open green space
The most significant achievement in the field of public open space development was the revitalisation of the village centre, including two connected park squares. This project was founded from public sources dedicated to water retention measures. Therefore, water retention and reuse play a key role in the village centre. Non-permeable paved surfaces were replaced by permeable surfaces, and new stormwater retention measures were implemented. These include rain gardens and bioswales as green-blue solutions, as well as underground water reservoirs that allow a sustainable reuse of water for irrigating public green spaces in dry periods. These water collectors retain not only stormwater but also excess water from the artesian well.
Actors and Stakeholders
The main initiators and drivers of change in this village are the mayor János Restár and the local council member František Ondrusek. But there are also other initiators of change from the local community, such as the local vet Peter Pál, who has implemented interventions in the local landscape to support bird nesting. The successful implementation of central open green spaces has resulted in several national and international awards and recognitions that have enhanced the public image of the village, as well as the sense of belonging of local citizens. There are several local organisations and civic associations which take active part in developing the local community and the village.
Challenges and Opportunities
The major challenges in developing local landscapes is the lack of public funding. However, the municipality keeps applying for grants and funds, both small and major and thanks to their conceptual approach, the delivered results are of high quality. A major challenge includes the complicated land ownership in open agricultural land, which currently limits all landscape efforts to the built-up area. Further opportunities for development include revitalisation of other public open green spaces, including the waterfront of the Váh oxbow situated in the built-up area of the village.
Outcomes and Lessons Learnt
It is important that small municipalities develop conceptual plans and design projects, even in complicated financial situations, as this makes them ready and prepared for grant calls and project bids. Presenting success stories and high-quality outcomes of work is highly important, not only to inspire other villages, but to enhance the positive image of the municipality, the sense of belonging and of local residents and the attractiveness for visitors and tourists. The success of Vlčany in several national and international award schemes have had a positive impact on the public image and name of the municipality.
An important lesson learnt is that even in small villages and rural areas, contemporary ideas and solutions can be implemented, and open spaces can be redesigned in a way which preserves and even enhances the rural character of the village and the quality of life of local inhabitants.
A well-managed municipality needs enthusiastic and caring local government, which finds the energy and motivation to deal with long-term concepts, environmental and climate issues, besides dealing with the most urgent daily duties and problems.
Selected major projects and awards
- A new kindergarten at the reformed church, with its own garden and backyard (2020-2022)
- Revitalisation of the park square at the church with two world war memorials (2022-2023)
- A new central marketplace under tree canopies, with the reconstructed artesian well (2022-2023)
- Revitalisation of the park square at the municipal office, including a cherry tree promenade (2022-2023)
- A new multifunctional building in the village centre “Platán” with shops, flats and a central green space (2022-2023)
- A new cultural and sport centre “Révkert” with a vast open green space (2023)
- First Price in the category of cross-border settlements from Slovakia / Virágos Magyarország, Hungary (2023)
- Silver Medal in the Category Village / Entente Florale Europe (2024)
- Special Characteristic Price for the new green spaces and inclusion of blue-green infrastructure / Entente Florale Europe (2024)
- Green Spaces Award / World Urban Parks Endorsement and Entente Florale Europe (2024)
- Park of the Year Award 2024 / SZKT – Association for Garden Design and Landscaping (2024)