In Vrchlabí, construction has begun on an ecological education center

Vrchlabí (Trutnov area) - Construction work has begun in Vrchlabí on the Krkonošské Center for Environmental Education (KCEV). The new facility, costing approximately 90 million crowns, is expected to start operating in September 2012, said Radek Drahný, spokesperson for the Krkonošsko National Park Administration (KRNAP), to ČTK today.
     The new low-energy building next to the main office of KRNAP will offer a lecture hall with a capacity of 80 people, a library, a classroom, exhibition spaces, and social facilities. "The new center will offer programs for interested parties from the surrounding area. We would like it to become a cultural-educational center, in addition to its environmental focus, that will help develop the region," said Jan Hřebačka, director of the KRNAP Administration.
     The center will offer not only ecological education for youth but also programs for visitors to the Krkonoš and will be available to municipalities and other partners. Colleagues from the Polish Krkonošsko National Park will also be able to use the building.
     The construction company has already demolished the garages in front of the main building and has also begun modifications to the entrance of the KRNAP Administration building. The KRNAP Administration has obtained funds from the European Union for the construction of the center. They also have grants for other projects, such as the development of tourist infrastructure, which includes the revitalization of the Vrchlabí monastery garden. Another project costing 51 million crowns will support the repair of hiking trails and forest paths in the Krkonoš.