A Vibrant Revival: The Reopening of Klauzál Square Public Park in Budapest

Klauzál Square, the iconic heart of Erzsébetváros (Elizabeth Town) in Budapest, has undergone a remarkable transformation. On October 8, 2024, the newly redesigned public park was officially reopened, much to the delight of the local community. The square, where the Klauzál, Dob, Nyár, Kis Diófa, and Nagy Diófa streets converge, has long been a beloved spot for residents and visitors alike. The reopening ceremony was a joyous occasion, filled with music, family activities, and a sense of pride in the revitalized green space.

A Community-Driven Transformation

The renovation of Klauzál Square was a project that the local residents had eagerly awaited for years. The process began in early 2024, with the demolition and landscaping work setting the stage for the transformation. The design of the new park was a collaborative effort, with the community actively involved through online and traditional forums, questionnaires, and various events. The final plans, created by Geum Műterem Kft., were completed at the end of 2022, paving the way for the public procurement process and the commencement of construction in January 2024.

A Park for All

One of the primary goals of the renovation was to create a space that catered to the diverse needs of the community. The new Klauzál Square boasts an impressive array of features, including:

• A modern, environmentally-friendly, and safer playground with 19 new play elements
• A multi-functional sports court and an outdoor fitness park
• An upgraded dog run with improved surfaces and amenities
• Increased green spaces, covering 4,763 square meters, with a new lawn, 19,000 plants, and new walkways
• Additional drinking fountains, waste bins, 20 bicycle racks, and 63 pieces of street furniture

The playground, sports court, and dog run were opened to the public in May 2024, allowing families, sports enthusiasts, and dog owners to enjoy the new facilities ahead of the official reopening.

Remembering the Past

Klauzál Square has a poignant history, having served as the center of the Budapest ghetto from November 29, 1944, to January 18, 1945. The redesigned park pays tribute to this dark chapter with a new memorial designed by Levente Szabó, the lead designer of Hetedik Műterem. The memorial, a four-square-meter bronze plaque with the imprints of 3,000 nails, commemorates the 3,000 people who were buried in mass graves in the square during the 1944-1945 period. The monument is designed to be a prominent yet unobtrusive presence in the urban space, seamlessly blending into its surroundings.

A Green Oasis in the Heart of the City

The transformation of Klauzál Square is a testament to the importance of green spaces in urban environments. Mayor Péter Niedermüller emphasized the significance of the project, stating that the renovated square would become a jewel not only for Erzsébetváros but for the entire city of Budapest. He expressed hope that the local community would take pride in the space and work together to maintain its beauty.

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, who attended the reopening ceremony, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of creating a city that feels like a shared home. He noted that the sound of children playing in the park is just as much a part of the urban landscape as the chirping of birds, and that the goal is to increase the presence of such joyful noises, especially in the city center where the population has decreased significantly in recent years.

Conclusion

The reopening of Klauzál Square Public Park marks a new chapter in the story of this beloved Budapest landmark. The revitalized green space, with its modern amenities, increased greenery, and thoughtful tributes to the past, stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to create a shared vision for their urban environment. As the children play, the dogs romp, and the adults relax and socialize in this vibrant oasis, Klauzál Square will undoubtedly continue to be the beating heart of Erzsébetváros for generations to come.

Image source: Péter Niedermüller