Adam Mickiewicz Park in Zawiercie

Adam Mickiewicz Park is the largest of the three parks in Zawiercie. It was founded on 1 September 1929 on the site of a former oak grove, and today about 1,600 trees grow in it.

How it came about

The land for the park, 12,470 m2, was donated by Jakub Löwenstein. The town bought further land, so originally it covered 23,614 m2. The designer was the engineer Władysław Petrych, who installed weirs on the Warta and thus created a pond with a fountain; he also became the park's first manager.

Changes in the 20th century

In the 1930s the park was lit and a café with a dance floor and a rosarium were opened in it. During the occupation only Germans were admitted, and Kościuszko Park was designated for Poles. The occupiers added stone steps and a water cascade and removed the rosarium. After the war the fence was removed, in 1957 the café was reopened and a mini-zoo was set up, later closed down. In the 1970s the pond was filled in, and in the early 21st century the park was revitalised.

Trees

About 60 species of deciduous trees and conifers grow here, of which 30 per cent are pedunculate oaks. There are also plane trees, white mulberries, yews and savin junipers, and in summer flower beds with sage and marigolds.

Nearby

On the other side of the centre lies Tadeusz Kościuszko Park, and not far away the brine graduation tower.

Practical information

• Location: the centre of Zawiercie, on the upper stretch of the Warta.
• The park is open to all; check the current layout on the spot.