Municipal Park – the green heart of Sanok Abstract The

Abstract

The Municipal Park is located in the centre of Sanok, on the slope of the Park Mount (height 364 m asl), which is an essential dominant in the town’s panorama. The park was established in 1909 on a “beautifully located, but completely inaccessible and entirely mountainous ground” and donated by Dr. Aleksander Tchorznicki. Nowadays it is one of the most attractive places in the town; it is said to be one of the most beautiful parks in Poland and it is the biggest mountain park in the country. Moreover, the object is quite valuable not only because of its nature values, but also as an important cultural element of the municipal policy of those days. The park style is an example of a so-called landscape park, in which nature-orientated shapes predominate and the composition of the park interiors allows the visitors to admire spectacular sights. There are also many characteristic places from the 19th and 20th centuries, like alleys, monuments, and the water cascade which is called Chopin’s Spring. After the Second World War, the park was renovated from the destructions of war. New trees and bushes were planted, and walking paths, benches and lighting were built. The park is located in an area which is high above the building area and this makes the park unique in Europe. The park has mainly recreational functions, but it is also a breeding ground of many interesting protected species of flowers, birds and invertebrates.