On hot days, fountains offer a break from the heat. For the residents of Košice, there are more places to relax: the city has restored two water features. One of them had not been working for over twenty years.
This is the fountain near the Krematórium (Crematorium), which was out of order for a long time due to technical problems. Before starting it up, workers completely cleaned and checked the equipment, and also removed blockages that prevented it from working. According to the Košice city authorities, the repair work coincided with the construction of a new water pipe for urns, and the fountain system is planned to be further improved soon.
Restoration and Innovation
Marta Popriková, director of Správa mestskej zelene v Košiciach (Administration of Urban Greenery in Košice), said that their organization has been managing the Verejný cintorín (Public Cemetery) since 2019. Since then, they have been gradually restoring technical elements, including the fountain that had not been working for a long time. "It was a long process, but the result is worth it. The fountain will once again complement the dignified character of this memorial site and columbarium," she added.
During the restoration of the fountain, which is part of Pavol Merjavý's architectural complex, workers also implemented a new water management system. Erik Kuzma, project manager at Správa mestskej zelene v Košiciach, explained: "For this fountain, we developed a special accumulation tank where water constantly circulates. Although it is technical water, the entire solution also functions as a water-saving measure, which helps to manage water resources more effectively."
Other Updates and Future Plans
The fountain on Drevný trh also started working again after repairs. It could not be started at the beginning of the season because water was leaking from it due to damage to the bottom. The problem has now been solved, and the fountain is working again.
In total, 17 fountains are currently operating in Košice — from the famous Spievajúca fontána (Singing Fountain) in the historic center and the Plávajúca fontána (Floating Fountain) in the City Park to smaller ones in various districts. For their maintenance and care, Správa mestskej zelene has allocated over 40,000 euros this year. This money is mainly used for cleaning, repairs, technical inspections, and replacement of damaged parts.
The network of water features in the city is expected to expand soon. Authorities plan to install new fountains in the park on Bašťovanského street, in the courtyard at Pasteurovo námestie, near Športová hala Stará jazdiareň, and in Sídlisko KVP. They also plan to renovate existing fountains in Luník I and Luník II.
The city council explains that these projects are part of a strategy to adapt to climate change, improve air quality, and the overall environmental condition in the city.
