Karlovy Vary gained a unique promenade after the renovation of the Old Meadows

Karlovy Vary - Karlovy Vary can boast one of the longest promenades in the Czech Republic after the completion of the renovation of Stará louka. The pedestrian zone now stretches several kilometers from the former Jan Becher distillery on T. G. Masaryk Avenue along the Thermal Hotel and the colonnades of Mlýnské, Tržní, and Vřídelní to Stará louka, all the way to the Grandhotel Pupp. The reconstruction of Stará louka cost approximately 120 million crowns and took a year and a half. This was reported today by Mayor Petr Kulhánek (KOA).
    The project, which began under the previous city leadership (a coalition of ČSSD and ODS), was one of the most criticized in the city. Owners of restaurants, hotels, and shops on Stará louka protested, as the construction hindered their operations. The renovation of the promenade was the most extensive intervention in the spa area of the city so far. Kulhánek considers the final result satisfactory. "It was a painful process, but Karlovy Vary gained a representative promenade along the Teplá River throughout the spa area," he stated.
    According to him, the entire area of Stará louka has a very clean design line, and in the future, it will not be disrupted by various restaurant patios as in the past. The city permits them, but only directly in front of individual establishments. With the understanding that no more podiums will be built, but tables will be placed only on the ground. Kulhánek noted that the final form of Stará louka will definitely still be a subject of debate, and opinions will vary. "The discussion could concern various accessories, such as public lighting," Kulhánek added.
    Initially, Karlovy Vary historian Stanislav Burachovič was rather skeptical about the initial studies and proposals for the new appearance of Stará louka, as he often opposed insensitive construction interventions in the spa center. He noted, however, that he is very satisfied with the final design and is pleasantly surprised. "The entire area, although it used to look different, has gained a new dimension. The original chestnut avenue has even been restored. I only have reservations about the shape of the lighting lamps. Their hockey stick shape doesn't really fit in here," he pointed out.
    The renovation of the area concerned Stará louka, Mariánská, Tržiště from Janský Bridge, including Lázeňská Street and the short adjoining alleys. The solution for the area included, in addition to the reconstruction of communications, landscaping, fountains in the river, drinking fountains, furniture, and railing along the waterfront wall. House plaques with information about the names of the houses, their construction, and possibly their founding are placed in the paving strip. A film walk of fame with the imprints of individuals connected with cinematography and the holding of film festivals is expected to be created in the future near the Divadelní footbridge.