Debrecen4U May 17, 2025

The construction of the Józsa running track has begun

Mayor László Papp, Deputy Mayor Ákos Balázs, and local government representative Róbert Juráskó held a press conference at the site in the Alsójózsa, Klastrompart area of Debrecen-Józsa on May 16, 2025.

As László Papp stated, another development has begun in the centre of Józsa, fulfilling a previous promise. It is a great feeling to look around here, as this is a beautiful, park-like, wooded, waterfront area—a very attractive public park that residents of Józsa use more and more intensively. Further improvements can be made since there was a local demand for opportunities for active recreation alongside leisure activities. A crucial condition and complement to this is constructing a new running track in this area. In response, the Municipality of Debrecen submitted a funding application and secured 55 million HUF for the Józsa running track project. The city is adding just over 100 million HUF from its budget, so 155 million HUF will be invested in building a 1-kilometre running track. The high cost is justified because the track needs to cross the Tócó River at two points. The facility will be completely integrated into the natural environment.

László Papp hopes that this running track will give new momentum to the “Move, Debrecen!” initiative in Józsa and that residents will soon actively enjoy recreation and sports beyond using the playground and park in this area. The rubber-coated running track could be completed within a few weeks, greatly contributing to the healthier lifestyle of Józsa residents.

According to Ákos Balázs, this area is very important to the residents of Józsa—it could even be called “the heart of their community.” It has long been a dream to renew this space, as the Tócó stream flows through it, and there is a wooded area suitable for relaxation and even hosting large events. However, the most significant aspect is that this is a protected Natura 2000 area. Years ago, the municipality aimed to provide new opportunities for nature in this space. It is a point of pride that the Civaqua program was successfully implemented, bringing water from the Tisza River to the Tócó. Additionally, the streambed rehabilitation was completed, restoring native conditions and creating a new habitat for wildlife. Before that, afforestation occurred in the area, with 20,000 small trees and 100 larger ones planted.

Ákos Balázs also noted that the goal was to provide residents with a sports facility that offers a nature-connected experience. This is why the beginning of the running track construction is so exciting. Maintaining health and supporting a healthy lifestyle are vital for Józsa residents, and this 1-kilometre-long, 140-centimetre-wide, rubber-coated running track will play a key role in achieving that. Gratitude is owed to the government and the municipality for making this project possible. He hopes that many people will use the track, families will visit, and this area will become a prime location for relaxation and sports. The deputy mayor emphasised that efforts to enhance the natural environment are ongoing, as more trees will be planted there. Additionally, the city plans to use the TOP Plus funding program to create a sprawling water surface on the left bank of the stream to resemble its original native conditions.

Róbert Juráskó emphasised that a long-awaited dream for Józsa residents is coming true. While there is currently a 200-meter-long running circuit at Józsa Grund, the 1-kilometre-long rubber-coated track will significantly enhance the joy of running and sports in the area. This space is also the venue for major events in Józsa, and with the previously completed and planned future developments, it will become the “jewel box” of the district—a true treasure where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu