City park

History of Nitra park is dated to the 19. century. The area between meander of the river Nitra and artificial race for the water mill under the castle was originally called „Sihoť- Island“. About 30 ha of vegetation was the basic for the extensive part of city greenery.
A good assumption was the flow of river and the advantage of the place to the center of the city. After adapting riverbed the meanders were used for a system of lakes that were filled with water from the river. Dendrological composition of trees was reduced and completed with alley of Tilia and trees were introduced here. The composition of the park was natural – landscape with elements of classicism. Walking paths have star disposition with central “frog” fountain. In center line of the main promenade they built the most valuable building of the park, a coffee- place that resembles to manor – house. In front of it there was an open space where they built a summer house, a place of regural concerts. Step by step there wee new elements occurring there, as Memorial of the 1st world war, playground for kids and so on.
A part of the park in interwar period was the swimming pool with two wooden pools. Park was extended in 50s for a part of new park on area of 15 ha behind the building of PKO. This is how park became to its present measurements and shape.
Nowadays is Nitra city park one of the much-sought-for place of rest and fun for inhabitants of the city. We cannot separate this important part of green from structure of the greenery in city. With its attractions and unique natural scenery it became an characteristic dominant of the city. It spreads on 20 ha in northwest part of the city and it is bordered with meander of river Nitra. It consists of three parts from three different periods. The oldest part Sihoť – date from the 2nd half of the 19th century- From all the attractions for the kids and adults are the most popular “frog fountain” made by J. Batrtfay, aviary with fallow-deers, atypical playground in entrance and classicistic object of former summer coffee-place. The latest attraction is farm house with animals and wooden sculptures that reminds old style living at farms. In 90s this part of the park is going through radical reconstruction that is focused on consolidation of stability and viability of trees. We can find here green valuables as Sequoaidendron giganteum, Liriodendron tulipifera, Gymnocladus dioica, Quercus x turneri, Ginko biloba and many others.
In new, connecting park from 50s is dominant nature and mostly two lakes – Big and Small Hangócka that are connected with creek. Over the small lake there is curved, wooden bridge. Creek and fountain in big lake made this part of park more attractive. Public may enjoy natural coves and interesting views on lakes, castle while sitting on benches.