Skate park that divided Gajnice residents is moving forward! We know its cost and design, tender preparation underway

A new skate park planned for the Gajnice neighborhood in Zagreb is moving forward, despite significant opposition from local residents who had initiated a petition against its construction. The project, which originated from the city's pilot participatory budgeting program, has navigated a contentious path, sparking debate not only within Gajnice but across the wider Stenjevec district.

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The location that was proposed was not acceptable because it was too small and was within the scope of a major city project for the Medpotoki underpass, which, besides being within the protected GUP corridor, awaits its realization, so it is not logical to build a skate park on the mentioned plot.

The estimated cost for the skate park is 230,000 euros, excluding value-added tax. The chosen location is adjacent to a basketball court, the site of the popular "Hakl na taksiju" neighborhood tournament. This proximity to an existing recreational area was intended to create a small sports center for Gajnice, incorporating the skate park, renovations to the basketball court, new lighting, urban furniture, and landscaping.

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VGČ Podsused - Vrapče and VMO Gajnice had the task of finding a plot that must meet the following conditions: that it is located in the area of Gajnice, that it is owned and possessed by the City of Zagreb, and that its purpose according to the GUP is for park and recreation.

Initial plans had proposed a different site, but it was deemed unsuitable due to its small size and location within the corridor of a planned underpass project. The current site was selected because it is owned by the City of Zagreb and designated for park and recreational use according to the General Urban Plan (GUP). However, some residents expressed concerns about potential gatherings of problematic youth and the park's impact on the neighborhood's character.

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Taking into account all the prescribed criteria, the most suitable location chosen was the plot where the basketball court known as "Hakl na taksiju" is located.

City officials and proponents of the project, including the Možemo political party, have countered these concerns, emphasizing the project's value and deeming the fears unfounded. They highlighted the need for recreational facilities and argued that the chosen location, situated on the southern edge of the neighborhood's central axis, would enhance the area's offerings. The plan includes seven different skateboarding apparatuses and provisions for bicycle parking.

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The idea when choosing the location is to create a small sports center for Gajnice on the central transverse of the neighborhood, on its southern edge. This plan includes the construction of a skate park, the renovation of the Hakl na taksiju court, the installation of new sports lighting, the placement of new urban equipment, and new greenery. Thus, Gajnice gets the new recreational sports content it deserves.