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The natural swimming area is becoming increasingly popular

Other towns might envy Příbram’s Nový rybník complex. But not in the state it has been in until now. The natural swimming area, with its ageing or non-functional facilities and the remnants of its former equipment, attracted not even a fraction of the visitors it could potentially accommodate. The completion of the first phase of repairs and promising future projects could significantly turn the situation around for the better.

The restoration of the neglected site is taking place as part of the ‘Green Spine of the City’ project, which runs through the town along the Příbramský stream. An important part of this green corridor is the network of water bodies, constructed as a cascade of ponds and reservoirs originally built to serve the needs of the mining industry. With the end of the uranium era, maintenance of this area ceased, and the new project aims to reverse its gradual deterioration. Whilst some piecemeal investment has been channelled into the area over the last twenty years, the current council’s intention is to attempt to restore this unique part of the town in its entirety. The fact remains that the majority of the eight-kilometre route is in poor to dilapidated condition. The town of Příbram is therefore planning an investment of 25 million crowns, which it will cover from its own resources.

The technical study on the regeneration was also preceded by discussions with residents, so that they could be involved in shaping the final form of the ‘Green Spine’. The project timetable spans several electoral terms and began with the regeneration of the most attractive section. The Nový rybník leisure complex is situated in the town centre and serves as an easily accessible oasis of tranquillity for most residents.

Weddings on the island The
first phase of the renovation, on which inmates from Bytíz Prison and clients registered with the Příbram Job Centre also collaborated, has now been completed. The main task involved revitalising the pond itself, dredging it and reconstructing the embankments. “Initially, the plan was to leave some sections of the original embankments and footpath intact. But as the area was gradually uncovered, it became increasingly clear that this would not be possible,” said Jindřich Vařeka, mayor of Příbram. The small island has also been reinforced and landscaped, with a romantic gazebo now added. This romantic white structure is linked to the original plan that the green surroundings, dominated by mature willow trees and surrounded by water, would attract couples to come here and say ‘I do’. Few towns in the Czech Republic can offer a wedding on an island. An adventurous footbridge will lead to the islet and could serve as a metaphor for the journey the bride and groom are embarking upon. The first padlocks are already appearing on the Gate of Love – the first sign that the people of Příbram are no strangers to a sense of romance.

Access to the water is now also possible from the floating jetties above the surface of the pond. The works included the construction of a structure for three wooden platforms measuring 10 by 5 metres. The jetties are accessible from a footpath, and bathers can enter the water via a recessed ladder. The project includes the installation of wooden benches and under-deck lighting, so it will be possible to sit here even after dark.

Water from the site’s own borehole has replaced the
inadequate sewerage system, and in future it should serve the needs of the planned restaurant and toilets. “It made more sense to carry out the digging before the season began, as the site still has a chance to be covered by grass,” remarked Jindřich Vařeka regarding the sequence of works. A private groundwater borehole with a capacity of 20 cubic metres of water per day has also been completed. Its capacity should be sufficient not only to supply the restaurant, toilet facilities and water play area, but also to support other activities. The water play area is a new addition and has been built on the site of the original children’s playground. As well as swimming and showering, children can try out various play features. For example, clean water flows through various channels here, and children can play with water pumps and pedal boats. The original small red slides have been removed and a white sandy beach has been created in their place. There is a gentle slope leading into the water from the sandy shore, and part of the bottom is also sandy. A wall separates the raised area, so it serves as seating whilst also allowing the adjacent lawn to be mown. The large slide in the middle of the pond will be retained, and once repaired, it will offer a smoother slide. Thanks to a connection to the water supply, the slide can be sprayed as desired.

Visitors can now also relax on sturdy benches under reed parasols. Two reed parasols with a smaller seating area for mums and their little ones are also available on the beach. The companies Vyladěný internet Příbramsko and Internet PB have set up a hotspot on site, and from now on, free Wi-Fi will be available all year round at Novák.

We won’t be closing for maintenance The
first phase of the transformation of Nový rybník was completed before 10 June, when Sports Day was held at the site. The next phase involves the construction of a new skatepark, with work scheduled to begin in June. Towards the end of the summer holidays, construction of a new restaurant will get under way. The Junior music club is also due for refurbishment, and in the autumn work will begin on an inline skating track. Come autumn, the project will also focus on new leisure facilities, preceded by a complete replacement of the utility networks. “The demolition of the existing buildings is scheduled for roughly August and September, after which a new building will be erected, featuring toilets, showers, a refreshment area, a terrace and a stage,” explained Alena Ženíšková, Deputy Mayor of Příbram.

At the same time, the town’s leadership has dismissed concerns raised by some residents that parts of the site might be inaccessible during the renovation or that summer cultural and sporting events might be at risk. “It’s fantastic that even during the first phase of the renovation, Novák has carried on as normal. Children and adults, runners and other sports enthusiasts have been going about their business in perfect harmony alongside the workers and heavy machinery,” said Alena Ženíšková.

First-hand experience
Visitors to the June Sports Day were the first to see and try out the new features at Nový rybník. As well as enthusiastic children, some adults also tested the water playground’s features and played hopscotch on the soft playing surface. The experience was somewhat limited by the fact that the pond was not yet full, so water activities were confined to its deeper northern section. Even so, this did not prevent people from using the jetties ‘on dry land’ at least to relax or as spots for throwing a Frisbee. For safety reasons, and because a fire lit in honour of the event had been burning there all day, access to the islet was closed off. The people of Příbram now have the whole summer to enjoy a romantic spot under the green willow trees.