The playground at Dlážděnka has had another spring opening. It was not just a symbolic start of the season. It was a neighbourhood gathering which showed that public space makes sense when people take an interest in it, use it and treat it as their own.

This year the playground was opened in this neighbourly way for the third time. What began as a bit of fun and a citizens' initiative is gradually becoming a tradition. And that may be the most important thing about it.

When things are seen through, they make sense

Dlážděnka is an example of a place where people waited, negotiated, filed comments and pushed things forward for a long time. Prague 8 knows stories like this all too well. That makes it all the more important when something is finally seen through and the place starts serving people again.

The event showed how much energy, joy and willingness to meet up there is in the local community. Children, parents, neighbours, associations, people from the area. No grand pomp. Rather an ordinary living park, the way it should look in a district.

Associations are not decoration. They are part of the city

Big thanks go to the associations Holešovičky pro lidi and Park Dlážděnka, z. s. Not only for the invitation, but above all for their long-term work, without which many similar places would have remained just a topic in meeting minutes.

It is the local associations that often maintain continuity. They remember the history of a place, point out problems, push for solutions and at the same time manage to bring people together. That is not something to take for granted. And the town hall should not approach it as troublesome objections, but as an important part of running the district.

This is how we imagine a living Prague 8

As 8žije we were glad we could be there. Projects like this make sense when they are not only ceremonially opened, but also go on living, are maintained and develop together with the local community.

Public space is not finished when a new surface is laid, play equipment is installed and a ribbon is cut. It is finished only when it works in everyday life. When people meet there. When it is safe and pleasant, and when the place has its natural custodian in the local residents.

What we take away from Dlážděnka

Dlážděnka shows several things that should be the norm for Prague 8:

  • listen to the people who actually use a place
  • involve local associations in good time, not only once there is a conflict
  • see projects through to the end
  • look after places even after they are finished
  • support neighbourhood life instead of merely tolerating it

This is not a grand ideology. It is a practical way of running a district that is a good place to live.

Conclusion

We thank everyone who looks after Dlážděnka over the long term and keeps it alive. These are exactly the projects we want to support at the town hall after the autumn elections: matter-of-factly, over the long term and with respect for the people who really live in their neighbourhoods.