The 23,000 m2 sized, DunaFok Leisure Park - located in Budapest’s 22nd district, Hajó Street – with its connection to the protected Danube riverbank, was handed over just recently.

This area was bustling with community and sporting life a hundred years ago, with no trace left after the second half of the 20^th century. For decades it was just another shrubby wasteland. From time to time, people showed up and some of them even swam in the Danube river. This is still forbidden, but the need to be able to use the area in a civilized manner was finally satisfied by the city council. Residents were also asked to participate in the design process of the park, and this consultation is reflected in the results.

The park, in which a memorial called Memento for Smolensk already stands to commemorate the air crash in 2010, also got a new bicycle path. Next to it stands the newly built, multifunctional, rubberised-surface sports ground and street workout park. We can also find a new water fountain to provide water for dogs.

Many benches, flower beds and even a sheltered area were built in the park along the Danube river. The playground can be found in the northern stretch of the space, where trampolines, rubber hills, tunnels, monkey bars, hide-and-seek walls and swings were installed for the children. Additionally, a fireplace has been constructed on a grassy space and separated with stones.

In a building adjacent to the playground, we can find the public lavatory (which requires a 100-forint coin to operate). In this bloc a new snack bar has also opened. The DP BBQ bar – which is already well known from Siófok – comes equipped with its own smoker. Here it is possible to buy hamburgers, brisket, pulled beef leg, cured bacon (among other delicious treats) and artisanal, craft beers.

From the park we can look across the Danube river or view the factories of Csepel, that is, if we are able to look through the crowns of trees. This is a good thing; the foliage and trees had to be left untouched, as this area is under Natura 2000 environmental protection. The Hosszúréti stream runs towards the Danube. Alongside this stream on a gravel path, we can walk from the park to the untouched riverside, which, sadly, appears neglected with driftwood and rubbish strewn about.

Nonetheless, it is great to see that we were able to hit two birds with one stone: modern conforms and natural values can harmonize with each other concurrently. We can connect directly with the Danube, we can roast some bacon, or we can just enjoy the advantages of contemporary urban living: adults can do sporting activities and children can also enjoy themselves here.

The park is most easily accessible for locals, but some parking spaces near to it are available if needed. By taking the 47 and 56 trams or the 133E bus, it is also reachable by public transport from the city centre.

Read the article about the park on Welovebudapest.com