Local services
The details were presented at a press conference held on 24 October 2024 by Mayor László Papp and members of the local government Erzsébet Katona and Róbert Juráskó.
Mayor László Papp recalled that, in line with their earlier promise, welfare improvements had been launched to make the area around the Vezér Street lake even more pleasant. The Civaqua programme is an excellent asset for Debrecen, as the Tisza provides sufficient water for both Józsa and the northern part of the city.
The city is not even using the total capacity, as the water yield is 270 l/sec compared to the maximum of 1200 l/sec, which is used to fill the Vezér road reservoir and feed the Tócó stream, the mayor added. He said the development is a new recreational opportunity for the people living in the area, which many people use.
They have started a joint reflection with the locals, as they consulted with residents in April 2024 on what improvements they would like to see in the lake area, which concluded that there was a demand for both activity and recreation. These included a jogging track, which they would like to see implemented in the coming years, but the installation of benches and picnic tables and the creation of a campfire area and a playground could start now. The mayor added that the pond side of the playground will be closed off to allow children to use it safely.
László Papp stressed that the lake contributes significantly to the district’s quality of life and that the city has a responsibility to improve it further through various improvements. The local government has provided HUF 22 million for the current round of investment but plans to raise more funds in the 2025 budget to further develop the area around the Vezér Road lake.
Local government representative Erzsébet Katona said it is a great pleasure that the district is expanding with a new community space, which is needed, as there is no community centre in the inner district.
The “Move, Debrecen!” programme has launched a sports-based community programme at the Árpád Vezér school, but there has been little opportunity for additional recreational space in the area. The Vezér Street lake is a treasure, thanks to the Civaqua programme, which is extremely popular with residents. She recalled that nearly 1,500 people also participated in a bike ride organized during the spring. After that, they kept a constant eye on the improvements residents wanted to see, which were highly varied, mainly according to age needs. Families with children appreciate the playground, older people enjoy the quiet time, and many dog owners take advantage of the opportunity to walk their pets.
She stressed that they are still waiting for indications on other improvements to be implemented in the coming period.
To ensure that the recreation area is truly recreational, they are working to reduce traffic around Vezér Street. To this end, the construction of the Márton Domokos bypass, the reconstruction of the Füredi Road – Szabó Lőrinc Street – Csigekert Street junction and the continuation of the Márton Domokos Street will significantly reduce traffic. She said that it is noticed that speeding is expected in the area, which will be prevented by installing a speed camera in the coming weeks.
Róbert Juráskó, the local government representative, said that it is a great joy for the residents of the related districts (Úrrétje and Nyulas) that the expected developments are starting. Thus, the conditions for quality recreation can be fully realized.
He called for planting trees around the lake in addition to the sun sails, and 50 trees will be planted in the autumn, considering the running track’s expected future route.
The participants then unanimously asked the public to take care of the equipment, as the aim is to ensure that the development will serve the everyday life of the people of Debrecen in the long term.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
