Ústí n.O. has completed the Kociánka leisure zone, not everyone is pleased

Ústí nad Orlicí - Ústí nad Orlicí has completed the Kociánka quiet zone. The project cost 62 million crowns and consists of circular structures planted with trees and flowers. Not everyone is pleased. Architect Přemysl Kokeš told reporters that he has encountered negative feedback on his designs before, so it didn't take him by surprise.
    "My student work for the square in Lankšroun has already caused a storm," Kokeš said. He believes that some projects need enough time for people to get used to them. Once the trees grow taller and their canopies merge, they will create a more intimate nook. The circles also serve as planters, where different species of plants can bloom each year. According to Kokeš, people will appreciate the new space in a few years.
    "Surrounding are all public buildings; this is a unique palace-type square by Czech standards. Previously, there was a small asphalt parking lot, puddles, and bushes," said the architect.
    Kociánka had several close calls. Opposition councilors were against it and attacked the building permit process. According to Mayor Richard Pešek (ODS), the municipality has folders full of stamps that confirm that the city did nothing wrong. However, the investment is said to block traffic, and is expensive, requiring further funds for maintenance. Opponents also backed the formation of the civic association "No to Kociánka!"
    "I don’t like it. A properly planned road goes through the middle of the park. The zoning plan has not been followed," said Jan Kopáč, the creator of the civic association's website.
    On the social network Facebook, a group reportedly even formed that wanted to sabotage the ceremonial meeting of city representatives and other politicians. The rowdies planned to urinate on the newly built quiet zone or possibly boo the speakers with whistles. In the end, they did not show up. The association, whose members are running for city council, distanced itself from these activities. They have nothing to do with them, Kopáč added.
    Visitors have varied opinions about the new space. Children immediately took advantage of the amphitheater and rolled barrels down to the wooden stage, clearly having a good time. Many were pleasantly uplifted by a concert from Aneta Langerová. Some people, even despite the festive occasion, were hesitant. "I don’t like it very much; there used to be an alley, plenty of mature trees. Once the new ones grow, it might be different," said František Vaňous. His wife Anna added that locals would get used to the new space within six months.
    Smetanova Street, which leads to Kociánka, was supposed to be for pedestrians only. Due to increased traffic, this did not succeed. Cars can pass through the street, but only slowly. The project was funded by the European Union with 37 million crowns.