Náchod has a modern athletic stadium after renovation

Náchod - The city of Náchod today opened its athletic stadium in the Hamra area after a year-long reconstruction costing 45 million crowns. The construction was the largest current investment in the twenty-thousand-strong town. The stadium was built in the 1970s and had only undergone regular maintenance since then. The renovated complex with a newly constructed stand is the only one of its kind in the district and will mainly serve schools and youth sports clubs. The city received a grant of 15 million crowns from the state for the renovation, said city hall spokesperson Nina Adlof to ČTK.

Builders laid new surfaces for athletic disciplines at the stadium. For example, the 400-meter running track received an artificial surface that meets the requirements of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). At the stadium, there are sectors for high jump and long jump, pole vaulting, javelin throw, discus throw, hammer throw, and shot put. In the center of the stadium, a soccer field has been retained, which received a new lawn. A completely new covered stand for 680 seated spectators has also been built. The project included drainage, an automatic irrigation system, artificial lighting, and fencing.

The reconstruction of the stadium itself was carried out by the Kroměříž company EKKL for 35.8 million crowns including VAT. The stand was built by the Náchod company Průmstav Náchod for 9.4 million crowns. The city funded the renovation of the stadium with the grant and paid for the stand from its own resources.

The stadium will primarily be used by Náchod schools of all levels for physical education and sports clubs, as well as athletes and footballers for training and matches in children's and youth categories. The public will be able to use the track without charge every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

This year, Náchod plans investments of more than 220 million crowns. Besides the Hamra stadium, the main investments include repairing sidewalks, building a fire station, and renovating the spa. Approximately 60 percent of the investment expenses are expected to be covered by grants from the state or the European Union.