Good Practice - Project
Creation of a public bicycle park and leisure area in Miejsce Piastowe
Young rural residents benefit from LEADER-funded new recreational facilities.
General information
RDP Priority
- P6. Social inclusion and local development
RDP Focus Area
- 6B: Local development
RDP Measure
- M19: LEADER/CLLD
Summary
This project is an example of an innovative, modern, and pro-environmental approach to the management of public space. CAP funds were used to create a bicycle park and a rest area equipped with benches and a solar-powered multimedia device (screen, sound system, etc.) for communal use. Surrounded by newly planted trees and vegetation, the facility can be used by people of all ages, riding bikes, skateboards, scooters or roller skates.
Results
The project has become a popular place for local young people. From dawn to dusk, every day, groups of people benefit from the project.
Information about the VeloProjekt bicycle park was widely disseminated on social media throughout Poland. On the contractor’s website, a promotional video from the opening event was viewed over 6 800 times, and the total number of views of all promotional materials exceeds 60 000 views.
Promoter
Municipality of Miejsce Piastowe
Funding
Total budget - 56 345.36 (EUR)
EAFRD - 35 852.55 (EUR)
National/Regional - 20 492.81 (EUR)
Resources
Documents
Creation of a public bicycle park and leisure area in Miejsce Piastowe
(PDF – 2.52 MB)
Context
Before this project, the municipality of Miejsce Piastowe had a limited number of public spaces that were suitable for young people to socialise and entertain themselves. To respond to this need, the local authorities decided to transform an unused area into a modern bicycle track.
Objectives
The aim was to improve the quality of life of young people in a rural area by creating a bicycle park as a new recreational and socialising space.
Activities
The first and most important action was to reach consensus about the implementation of this type of investment within the municipality and then to examine different investment opportunities and co-financing solutions. This latter element was ensured through a partnership with the Kraina Nafty Local Action Group.
The bicycle park was constructed with a specially shaped, wavy route consisting of numerous, contoured bends, valleys, and bumps (called moguls). It is approximately 120 m long and 180 cm wide. In addition, an educational zone was created which includes a multimedia-solar bench with a photovoltaic panel, a battery, a USB charger, a loudspeaker, and an MP3 player. The surrounding area was also improved with the instalment of four benches, two waste baskets and ten bicycle stands. An information board was also installed, in addition to the planting of 46 evergreen and six deciduous trees.
Main results
The bicycle park has been used to organise a sports competition with about 50 participants and some 300 spectators. There are plans to run this event regularly.
The project has become a popular place for local young people. From dawn to dusk, every day, groups of people benefit from the project.
Information about the VeloProjekt bicycle park was widely disseminated on social media throughout Poland. On the contractor’s website, a promotional video from the opening event was viewed over 6 800 times, and the total number of views of all promotional materials exceeds 60 000 views.
Overall, this investment has increased the attractiveness of the municipality as it can now host tourist and cultural activities. Most importantly it has become a popular space where young people socialise and entertain themselves.
Key lessons
This example demonstrates how CAP funding can be used to promote social integration among young people and encourage them to spend time actively outdoors. It promotes healthy living and increases the attractiveness of a rural area, both from the perspective of residents - which contributes to the fight against outmigration - and incoming visitors: thus boosting the area’s tourism potential.