This year, Jablonec nad Nisou will allocate over 26 million CZK for the new facilities at the dam.

Jablonec nad Nisou - This year, the city plans to invest over 26 million crowns into new facilities near the dam in Jablonec nad Nisou. Construction of the first building in the U Prutu area began last autumn. Two more are expected to be built near the headquarters of Povodí Labe and on the bank close to the municipal hall and swimming pool, said the spokesperson for the city hall, Jana Fričová, today to ČTK. The city hall is also planning to prepare a study for new Sun Baths, as the original ones burned down last year. The preparation of the study will include discussions with the public.

The Mšeno dam is a popular swimming spot not only for nearly 45,000 residents of Jablonec, but people from the surrounding area also come there. On hot days, up to 5,000 people head there daily. However, the facilities are inadequate and diverse, and that is set to change. Three years ago, the city hall announced an architectural competition for the design of visitor facilities. It was won by Marek Přikryl from the Prokš Přikryl architects' studio with the idea of using wooden modules to create a uniform appearance for the facilities.

In October last year, work began on the first of the wooden buildings. The contract worth 12.3 million crowns was awarded to the Development company, with completion expected in April, before the swimming season begins. The project includes the use of modules sized six by six meters, which will house refreshments including facilities and storage, covered outdoor seating, and toilets. According to Fričová, the building will be prepared to serve visitors to the dam year-round if there is interest. "A competition for the second building on the shore towards the hall is also in preparation," she added.

The city hall is also addressing what to do with the space where the Sun Baths complex stood. The wooden structure from 1927 was destroyed by fire last August, leaving nothing behind, with the city hall estimating the damage at ten million crowns. "For the summer season, there will be provisional facilities for visitors with toilets and a mobile refreshment stand. At the same time, we will be preparing a permanent solution, but first, we need to clarify what services we want to have there," said Jakub Chuchlík (Pirates), the deputy mayor for development. The city hall wants to involve the public in the discussion about the shape and services in the new area.

The historical Sun Baths complex offered refreshments, had changing rooms and toilets, as well as a sun meadow enclosed by a fence and divided into a women's and men's section. However, the complex had been in poor condition long before the fire. For many years, there were discussions in the city about whether to renovate the historical buildings of the Sun Baths or to demolish them and build a modern structure in their place. Several years ago, the city commissioned a project for a minimalist building to replace the dilapidated complex. However, the study by architect Petr Stolín met with opposition from part of the public, which is one reason why it was not realized.