Record visitors to Stromovka during lockdown brings damage, pollution, and destruction

An increasing amount of visitors to Prague's popular Stromovka park has resulted in damage, pollution and destruction of park equipment, Prague 7 city officials said.

Prague's parks have become a favorite spot for residents across the city during the second wave lockdown. The parks have become a way for residents to stretch their legs and get some exercise while social distancing.

However, with the increased traffic comes increased damage to Stromovka's facilities.

Visitors have damaged new plants across the park as well as older trees. Equipment, such as benches, waste bins, informational signs, light poles and more, have been damaged on multiple occasions, Prague 7 officials said.

In addition to the damage, officials have noted much more illegal graffiti as well as illegal stickers and leaflets in the park. Everyone who visits the park must clean up after themselves and put their trash in trash bins.

"With the increased number of visitors, the amount of waste that we export from forests and parks also increased significantly year-on-year. It is waste from bins, but also outside them," Petra Fišerová, spokesperson for the Forests of the Capital, told Nas Region. 

Park officials have noted large amounts of damage from dogs in lawns and flower beds across the park. Visitors must abide by dog movement rules as well as cleaning up their dog's feces.

The four new picnic areas in Stromovka, part of the park Za drahou, have suffered damage as well.

It's important to remember that open fires are not allowed in the park. In the past, a fire from an unauthorized barbeque severely damaged a rare oak tree.

At the moment, you can only enter the park via car with a special permit from the Department of Environmental Protection, located at City Hall in Prague. Any organization of events is subject to permission on the basis of an application submitted there.

Stromovka, previously known as the Royal Game Reserve, is a popular spot for mothers' walks with their children, dates and athletic outings.

Officials have been working to gradually restore individual parts of Stromovka's landscape and completely reconstruct the Noble Restaurant building.

If you witness any vandalism in Stromovka, Prague 7 city officials urge you to contact the city police, or take photo documentation or video documentation. You can contact the operational center of the District Directorate of the Municipal Police in Prague 7 by calling 222 025 970 or by calling the emergency number 156.