In Troja, a new sports complex worth 146 million will be built by the Vltava River

Prague - In Prague's Troja, a new sports complex called the Park of Water Sports Prague is to be built next to the existing water slalom canal. In addition to outdoor sports facilities, a second canal for water slalom is also planned. The construction of the park is estimated to cost 146 million crowns. The Czech News Agency learned this from materials received from the Ministry of Education for discussion with the city council. The project has already been approved by the city councilors.
    "The reasons for the intent are primarily to calm and simultaneously enhance the attractiveness of the Troja neighborhood in front of the flood protection embankment," states the document. An advantage is the natural flow of water over the Troja weir, which will reduce the costs of "pushing" water through the slalom channel. Additionally, according to the materials, there is a tradition of organizing paddling competitions, through which people are aware of the sports facility and will visit it.
    The new complex will feature a new artificial channel on the right bank of the Vltava River besides the existing water canal. The slalom course will be 12 meters wide, 270 meters long, and will have a height difference of 3.16 meters. In total, the canal will measure 529 meters. The lower stretch of the canal will have several bends and a relaxation area for the public. "The bay will serve for unorganized recreational boating and fishing activities," stated the document. Two bridges will be constructed over the canal, and a return channel will run through the island, allowing boats to return to the start.
    A multipurpose area for outdoor activities will also be created, including a rope center, children's playground, outdoor gym, and sports fields for ball games. A cultural arena and an outdoor cinema are also planned.
    The sports facility is intended to serve not only professional athletes but will also be accessible to the public. Firefighters and police will be able to hold their training exercises here, for example.
    The existing competitive course for water slalom, which hosted the world championship in September, will remain unchanged. The cycling path alongside the Vltava will also be preserved. There will not be significant changes to the greenery, and the floodplain character of the area will be maintained, with only new trees being planted . "The trees are designed in accordance with the requirements to ensure the passage of flood waves," the document states. Existing boathouses and storage facilities will also be preserved.
    Along the sunken new canal, spectator stands will be built on the slopes from so-called viewable reinforced concrete.
   The complex is estimated to cost 146 million crowns according to preliminary estimates. Of this, six million will cover project preparation, 20 million will be used for land acquisitions, and the construction itself is expected to cost 120 million crowns. The city and the ministry are to cooperate on the project. The city council already approved the project in 2010 and 2012 when Prague signed a memorandum with the Ministry of Education. A change in the zoning plan, which allows for the construction, was approved in recent weeks.