Gródek Park in Jaworzno: our Polish Maldives

Jaworzno, a city on the border of the Silesian and Malopolska provinces, hides a place of unique charm. Often referred to as the Polish Maldives, Gródek Park offers a picturesque landscape where, amidst lush greenery and turquoise water, one can experience extraordinary tranquility and beauty – the result of successful reclamation of post-industrial areas.

Gródek Park: location and characteristics

Park Gródek is located in Jaworzno, in the Silesian province, just a few dozen kilometers from Katowice. The area, formerly used as a dolomite quarry for the Szczakowa dolomite plant, has undergone a complete metamorphosis. It has been transformed into a scenic recreational park with an area of 58.54 hectares. There are four reservoirs on its territory, each with its own name and unique character. The largest is known as Orca. Others include Otter, located in the southeastern part of the park, and two much smaller reservoirs: Cat and Elephant, located northwest of Orca.

From quarry to sustainable ecosystem

The story of Gródek Park is an example of how environmental degradation can be reversed through thoughtful restoration efforts. The area, which in the past served as a dolomite quarry, has been successfully transformed into a full-fledged landscape park, all thanks to the decision of Jaworzno Mayor Pawel Silbert and the involvement of local authorities and scientists.

The reclamation process at Gródek Park was a response to the end of limestone mining in the 1990s. The final decision to close the quarry was dictated by a lack of liquidity. The situation became so critical that bills, including electricity, were no longer paid. In 1997, when the arrears reached huge amounts, the power company decided to cut off the quarry’s electricity supply. Unfortunately, the decision was made before the weekend, causing the pumps that were constantly pumping water out of the facility to stop working. Within two days, the pit, which was below the groundwater level, filled with water. The mine’s equipment was also flooded. This event created a new reality and became a challenge: how to effectively manage a flooded site?

The reclamation efforts were based on an ecological analysis that aimed not only to stabilize the area, but above all to create a sustainable and self-regenerating environment. The introduction of a variety of plant species, resistant to the specific conditions that prevailed in the reclaimed area, allowed the gradual creation of new areas for flora and fauna. Currently, Gródek Park is rich in a variety of natural habitats, such as thermophilous grasslands, meadows, wetlands, as well as tree canopies and oak-hornbeam forests.

The arboretum in Jaworzno, which is part of the park, is living proof of the effectiveness of reclamation and contributes to the revival of areas degraded by industrial activity. This place, which is becoming increasingly rich in biodiversity, testifies to the favorable conditions that have been created there.

Flooded pit: a diver’s paradise

Orka Reservoir, customarily known as the Jaworzno Koparki Quarry, flooded as a result of a power outage, is now one of the most attractive diving sites in southern Poland. Underwater you can admire two flooded excavators, a blasting shed, an explosives magazine, a trafo station, excavator buckets, fragments of a Polonez Caro and, more recently, the wreck of the Wilhelm ship. The reservoir is characterized by a flat bottom with an average depth of 10-14 m and a maximum depth of 18 m. Visibility ranges from 5-8 meters in the summer to 15 meters in the off-season, making it an excellent place for training, especially in underwater navigation. The reservoir, thanks to groundwater recharge, maintains a constant low temperature of about 6°C throughout the year. This keeps the water from freezing in winter, allowing diving all the time.

The water in the tank is exceptionally clean, thanks to several key factors. First of all, it is fed by groundwater. In addition, the lack of intensive industrial activity in the immediate vicinity minimizes the risk of water contamination, and the ban on bathing offsets the possibility of contamination, such as with tanning oils.

Wydra Reservoir

In the immediate vicinity of the Orka reservoir, the city government has created a scenic park and an additional reservoir called Otter with a depth of approx. 10 m. Its waters are also characterized by outstanding purity. The reservoir is ideal for less experienced divers who want to explore the underwater environment without going to great depths.

Wooden footbridge: a gem of Gródek Park

One of the most distinctive features of Gródek Park is the wooden footbridge located on the Wydra Reservoir. The structure allows visitors to walk just above the surface of the turquoise water, and sometimes even below it. The footbridge offers a beautiful view of the entire area, and its architecture fits perfectly into the natural landscape of the park. Walking on this footbridge is an unforgettable experience that allows you to be in close contact with nature and admire the unique color of the water from a unique perspective that cannot be experienced in many other places in Poland.

Recreational activities in Gródek Park

Gródek Park offers numerous opportunities for active recreation. For lovers of walking and Nordic walking, there are paths that lead through the most picturesque corners of the park. Cycling enthusiasts will find trails of varying difficulty to explore the park on two wheels. However, it is worth remembering that there are some restrictions in the park – camping and campfires are prohibited.

Bathing ban: safety first

Despite the cleanliness of the waters and access to numerous attractions, swimming in the waters of Gródek Park is prohibited. This is due to the history of the site – the flooding of the area after the quarry’s operation means that the ground may be unstable and riddled with remnants of tools from the time of mining activities. Dively, the reservoirs are simple and safe, but they are not suitable for swimming and wading in shallow water, because already at the shore of the Orki reservoir we have a depth of 5 m or more immediately. The bathing ban is intended to ensure the safety of visitors, protecting them from potential dangers.

Photo. main: Iwona Szyprowska-Głodzik