Daruvar's Historic Janković Park to Undergo €3.7 Million Renovation

The City of Daruvar has presented an ambitious plan to breathe new life into Count Janković Park, a 28,000-square-metre historic green space located just below the town's castle. The project, valued at nearly €3.7 million, will see around 85 per cent of costs covered by European Union funds, with works expected to begin next year and a completion deadline of 29 May 2028.

Mayor Damir Lneniček described the initiative as one of the largest city projects Daruvar has secured, adding that the final tender price could come in even lower. The town has already been awarded approximately €3.13 million in grants through the Competitiveness and Cohesion 2021–2027 programme and the European Regional Development Fund, aimed at developing green infrastructure in urban areas.

The renovation will focus on increasing green cover, preserving local biodiversity and reducing summer heat in the town centre. While some existing vegetation will be removed, the plan includes planting new trees and 3,697 native shrubs. Of these, 72 trees and 1,320 shrubs are specifically chosen to support bees and other pollinators. A new avenue of linden and chestnut trees will line Vladimira Nazora Street.

Hard landscaping will also be upgraded: impermeable paving will be replaced with water-permeable materials, and paths, staircases and lighting will be restored. Historic features such as the old vase, arch and two entrance pillars will be carefully renovated. The park will gain new benches, drinking fountains, birdhouses and insect hotels.

Particular care is being taken to protect two beloved ginkgo trees standing in front of the castle. One of them secured second place in the 2020 European Tree of the Year contest. To safeguard these landmarks, no construction work will take place within a 5.3-metre radius around them, and any nearby activity will be done exclusively by hand.