Budapest’s Water Spray Gates: A Refreshing Oasis in the Heart of the City

As the summer heat takes over Budapest, the city has come up with a unique solution to provide relief to its residents and visitors alike. The Városháza Park now boasts a stunning green water spray gate, offering a refreshing escape from the scorching temperatures.

The water spray gate, or rather a water spray tunnel, features six “arcades” that visitors can walk through while being misted with cool water from tiny nozzles on the sides and above. The gates are anchored by flower boxes filled with lush vegetation, including Hypericum dummeri ‘Peter Dummer’, Ilex maximowicziana ‘Kanehirae’, and Punica granatum ‘Legrelliae’, adding a touch of greenery to the gray cobblestones.

Maintained by FŐKERT, the city’s horticultural company, the water spray tunnel operates at two-minute intervals from 9 am to 9 pm. As you enter the tunnel, the mist is so dense that the silhouettes of people walking ahead of you seem to disappear into the fog.

But the water spray gates are not the only way Budapest is helping its residents and visitors beat the heat. The city has also set up cooling islands at two busy locations – Móricz Zsigmond Square and Baross Square – to provide relief to pedestrians and those waiting for buses.

It’s important to stay hydrated during the hot weather, so don’t forget to bring your water bottle with you. If you run out of water, you can refill it with fresh, cold water at one of the many drinking fountains operated by the city.

As temperatures continue to rise, especially in big cities, it’s crucial to take measures to make the heat waves more bearable. Budapest’s green initiatives, such as the water spray gates, cooling islands, and drinking fountains, are a testament to the city’s commitment to creating a more comfortable and sustainable urban environment for all.

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