Turnov is completing the construction of a Waldorf kindergarten for 20 million CZK

Šonský architects, Waldorf kindergarten, Turnov; source: sonsky.cz

Turnov (Semilsko) - Turnov is completing the construction of a new Waldorf kindergarten for 50 children, the city will pay over 20 million crowns for it. The building should be finished by the end of July. Jiří Vocásek, the city’s investment technician, said this today to ČTK. Children are expected to start attending the kindergarten from September.
The kindergarten was originally supposed to be completed in June, but the delay was caused by the unexpectedly long drying time of the concrete. "We cannot lay the floors due to moisture. If we did, the company would not provide us with a warranty," Vocásek stated. According to him, the kitchen still needs to be completed and furniture installed.
The construction of the new kindergarten has been discussed in Turnov for at least ten years. The previous building, built 40 years ago, was in very poor condition. It had exceeded its lifespan and could not be repaired. Water was leaking inside, insulation was missing, and heating with storage heaters was very expensive. Therefore, workers demolished the old building last year and built a new one in its place.
For about a year, children from the kindergarten have had to attend provisional facilities, finding refuge in the hotel school. "They were very accommodating to us, we are satisfied, even though it was more challenging for operations," said Hana Lamačová, the director of the Waldorf kindergarten. Complications included the fact that children's classes were on the second floor and there is no garden at the hotel school.
The new kindergarten will also have a new garden for the children, designed in a natural style. "Children will recognize it through their feelings, so the terrain will not be flat," the director stated. In addition to play elements, there will be a willow hut, a trunk connecting two hills, or a wall and logs for seating. The garden should also be ready before the children return. "The deadline is by August 23," specified the city's investment technician. The city will pay almost 700,000 crowns for the garden.
There are nine kindergartens in Turnov, including the Waldorf one. There are 550 places available in them. Unlike other towns, Turnov manages to find a place for every child over three years old. After the summer holidays, 167 new children will start in kindergartens, of which 18 live outside the city. However, there was greater interest in Turnov this year than the capacity of the kindergartens allowed. Directors did not accept 31 children under three years old from Turnov and 23 from outside Turnov.

Šonský architects, Waldorf kindergarten, Turnov; source: waldorfturnov.cz