In Karviná, the Dubina forest park is being transformed into a natural oasis: the riverbed is being made to meander

In the Czech town of Karviná, a large-scale reconstruction of the Dubina forest park is underway, as builders reshape the local watercourse — turning it from a straight channel into a naturally winding, meandering riverbed.

“With this work, we’ll slow down the flow of water and ensure it stays in the area longer,” said Lukáš Křižánek, who is overseeing the project. According to him, footbridge components and small architectural features are being prepared in parallel and will be installed gradually in later stages. The final surface of the dirt paths will only be laid at the very end of construction, so it doesn’t get damaged during further works.

Křižánek noted that the emerging water biotope has already started serving its ecological purpose: a wild duck with a brood of ducklings has settled in the new flowing pond.

According to a city representative, work on shaping the Dubina riverbed will continue over the coming months. Plans include creating two wetland areas and an additional water-retention berm. Four existing footbridges will be reconstructed — one of them requiring a major overhaul — and a brand-new pedestrian bridge will also be built. The demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new one are scheduled for August and September.

The park’s transformation will also include a new educational nature trail. Dubina will be equipped with benches, bins, bicycle racks, and features for active recreation. Visitors can look forward to a slide, interactive water elements, balance stones, ropes, swings, climbing cubes, logs, and a rope bridge.

New tree planting is planned for autumn — the park will gain 76 new trees, mostly native species, including 70 deciduous and six fruit trees. The city received a grant for the project from the Just Transition Operational Programme, which can cover up to 85 percent of the costs.

Around Prague, based on reporting by ekolist.cz