Valašské Meziříčí guardians want to return the gazebo to the park by the castle

Valašské Meziříčí (Vsetín) - The guardians of nature in Valašské Meziříčí want to restore the park's dominant feature - a wooden gazebo from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries - to the English park at the Kinský chateau. The park is set for extensive revitalization over the next two years, with the technical facilities in particularly poor condition.
    The guardians aim to take advantage of the repairs to create a replica of the gazebo, which boasted the typical architectural elements of Dušan Jurkovič. Ecologist Milan Orálek told ČTK today that they only have three photographs of the structure available. They are therefore calling on the public to check their archives to see if they can find more.
    The gazebo was demolished in the 1970s by the then leadership of the town hall, as they no longer wanted to maintain it. "Next to it, a tennis court was built, where local aristocrats used to play. At that time, the town hall had it converted into a handball hall, because tennis and the nobility were no longer in vogue," Orálek recalled.
    The distinctive style of Jurkovič is notably evident in the photographs that are currently available, a style that inspired many regional authors. According to historical greenery specialist Lenka Křesadlová from the regional office of the National Heritage Institute in Kroměříž, the structure is more likely from their workshop. Heritage custodian of the Valašské Meziříčí town hall Peter Zajíc agrees with her. "At the time the gazebo was built, Jurkovič was working on significant projects in Slovakia," he stated.
    The town hall will start the park's revitalization in the spring. The costs are approximately 20 million crowns, with three-quarters of the funds obtained from European subsidies and the state budget. During the entire duration of the repairs, the park will be closed to the public.
    The extensive English park near the chateau was established at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. The area, covering more than six hectares, features a number of rare tree species. There is also a dilapidated summer cinema area, which the town hall intends to renovate.