Horvath-hill recreational green area development

1. General information

Location and description of the intervention

City or FUA

Miskolc (FUA)

Region

Europe

Native title of the NBS intervention

Aktív rekreációs zöldterület fejlesztése a Horváth-tetőn

Short description of the intervention

The "Active Recreational Green Area Development at Horváth-tető" in Miskolc is a project aimed at revitalizing a central yet underutilized urban space, commissioned by the Municipality of Miskolc in 2017. A distinctive feature of Miskolc is the Avas hill, located in the city center, which beautifully blends nature with urban elements. Despite its potential, the area had been neglected, particularly following the decline of vineyard culture and the reduced use of old wine cellars. To address this, a comprehensive development plan was initiated to rejuvenate the Avas region, with Horváth-tető at its core.
The project aimed to transform the area into an outdoor recreational hub for all age groups. The hill's historic terraces, once popular promenades, were repurposed into distinct, multifunctional spaces. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy facilities such as street workout stations, an outdoor gym, a skate park, a climbing wall, and parkour elements. For those looking to relax, picnic areas, sunbathing spots, and a retro-style terrace are available. The entire development prioritizes accessibility, providing inclusive options for visitors with mobility challenges.
The park also features significant landscaping, including the planting of trees, shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and ferns, enhancing its overall appeal. Infrastructure improvements were made, including the restoration of stairs, paths, retaining walls, and the rainwater drainage system. A special shallow basin was designed to collect rainwater and support plant roots while also serving as a playful area for dogs within the dog park.
Since its opening in 2022, the park has become a popular destination, offering a tranquil escape in a beautiful setting. It provides a wide range of recreational opportunities for people of all ages, making it a valuable addition to Miskolc’s urban landscape and connecting the historical Avas hill with modern city life.(Ref.1,2)

Website of the intervention

https://www.miskolc.hu/aktiv-rekreacios-zoldterulet-fejlesztese-a-horvath-teton

Principal problems

Environmental Degradation

Biodiversity loss

Soil degradation and loss

Land use and Socio-economic change

Unequal availability and access to public green spaces

Health, Well-being and Social cohesion

Inadequate access to recreational opportunities

Disconnection from nature

Implementation area characterization

Climate

Continental (Cold-summer humid continental, Cold-winter dry continental, Cold-summer dry continental)

Ecosystem

Temperate forests

Address

Miskolc
Horváth-tető
3530
Hungary

Location

The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by).

Area boundary (map-based)

NBS area image

Source of NBS area image

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Miskolc,+Horv%C3%A1th+tet%C5%91,+3530/@48.0996702,20.7764762,302m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x47409fefcfd9a017:0xf313fefdb23f3169!8m2!3d48.0996702!4d20.7777637!16s%2Fg%2F11kb3y58pr?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwMi4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Total area

12000.00m²

Area description

Urban (main city)

Type of area before implementation of the NBS

Public Greenspace Area

Vacant or abandoned land

Mixed-use development (combination of residential, commercial, and/or industrial)

Timeline of intervention

Start date of the intervention (planning process)

2017

Start date of intervention (implementation process)

2021

End date of the intervention

2022

Present stage of the intervention

Completed

2. Objectives of the intervention

Objectives of the intervention

Goals of the intervention

To create a multifunctional recreational space that caters to a wide range of age groups (including people with mobility issues) and interests while emphasizing environmental sustainability and greening efforts.
To enhance green spaces through the planting of evergreen trees, shrubs, perennials, and 143 ferns.
To promote sustainable landscaping and improve soil conditions by using pine bark for mulching and renovating 1,414 m² of lawn, along with landscaping 2,884 m² of grassed areas.
To improve accessibility and usability with stabilized gravel pavement, natural stone paving, and rubber flooring to create safe and durable surfaces.
To support social interactions and physical activities by installing playground elements, gym/workout stations, and a complete skate park, as well as dog fitness elements.
To boost public infrastructure with bicycle stands, drinking fountains, and the construction of custom railings, street furniture, and a lookout point.
To manage rainwater by creating a shallow basin in the dog park.
(Ref.1,2)

Key Priorities

Social Justice and community

Sustainability challenge(s) addressed

Environmental quality

Soil quality improvement

Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15)

Green space creation and/or management

Regeneration, land-use and urban development

Promote natural styles of landscape design for urban development

Water management (SDG 6)

Stormwater and rainfall management and storage

Health and well-being (SDG 3)

Creation of opportunities for recreation

Enabling opportunities for physical activity

Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10)

Social justice and equity

Social interaction

Implementation activities and NBS focus

Implementation activities

The Municipality of Miskolc hired Mento Kft. to implement a variety of enhancements in the area. The project included the installation of 1,091 m² of stabilized gravel pavement and 88 m² of natural stone pavement. Additionally, 1,751.5 m² of poured rubber flooring was added.
As part of the landscaping efforts, the project involved planting 6 evergreen trees, 57 tall shrubs, 276 medium-height shrubs, and 2,689 low and ground-cover shrubs. Furthermore, 7,092 perennials, 376 ornamental grasses, and 143 ferns were planted. To promote sustainability, 1,800 m² of pine bark was spread, while 1,414 m² of lawn was renovated and 2,884 m² of grass area was landscaped.
The project also focused on recreational facilities, incorporating 39 different playground elements, 15 gym/workout elements, and 19 dog fitness elements, all based on technical specifications. Public infrastructure improvements included 97 pieces of street furniture (benches, information posts, waste bins, tables), 277 linear meters of custom railing, 4 drinking fountains, and 22 bicycle stands.
Additional features included 3 rain shelters, 1 lookout point, and the installation of 25 m of drainage and 81 m of drinking water pipeline. Five water meter-equipped manholes were constructed, along with 61 lampposts designed according to technical specifications. The project culminated in the creation of a complete skate park and a climbing wall, both designed according to production plans.
(Ref.1)

Type of NBS project

Creation of new green areas

Creation of large parks and urban and peri-urban forests

Maintenance and management of urban nature

Maintenance or upgrade of exisiting green spaces (e.g. parks)

Ecological restoration of ecosystems

Soil remediation and revegetation

Ecological restoration of existing green spaces

Transformation of previously derelict areas

Transformation of vacant land into green spaces

3. NBS domains, ES and scale

NBS domain and interventions

Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented

Green areas for water management

Sustainable urban drainage systems

Other

Parks and urban forests

Large urban parks or forests

Please specify "other green areas for water management"

shallow basin (Ref. 1)

Amenities offered by the NBS

Benches and drinking water stations

Playgrounds

Sports areas and equipment

Complementing infrastructure (bathrooms, café)

Viewing and outlook points

Other

Please specify other amenities offered by the NBS

Dog park and sunbathing terrace (Ref.1)

Design elements for well-being

Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation)

Auditory elements (e.g., birdsong, water features, quiet areas, rustling leaves)

Tactile elements (e.g., natural materials like wood or stone, exposure to sunlight)

Services

Expected ecosystem services delivered

Regulating services

Flood regulation

Cultural services

Recreation

Physical and experiential interactions with plants and animals

Social and community interactions

Scale

Spatial scale

Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level

Beneficiaries

Demographics in implementation area

Total population of the Avas-hill area (Horvath-hill is a part of that): 41029 (census of 2015). The area is host to Hungary's largest panel house system, consisting of 10448 apartments. In addition, other parts have a suburban feeling with garden houses. (Ref.4)

Socio-economic profile of the area

Mixed income

Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts

Primary Beneficiaries

Citizens or community groups

Marginalized groups

Specify primary beneficiaries

Local residents of all ages benefit from the newly created recreational areas, with specific playgrounds for children aged 0-16, fitness elements for teens and adults, and relaxing spaces for seniors and families.
Sports and fitness enthusiasts enjoy access to outdoor gym facilities, a skate park, a climbing wall, and other workout elements designed to promote active lifestyles.
Dog owners are provided with dedicated spaces, such as a dog agility course and fitness elements, allowing them to enjoy quality time with their pets in a safe, designated area.
Nature lovers and environmental advocates benefit from the extensive greening efforts, which improve the urban environment with a significant number of trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses, enhancing biodiversity and promoting sustainability.
Visitors seeking relaxation can take advantage of the picnic and sunbathing areas, rain shelters, and lookout points offering scenic views.
Cyclists benefit from the installation of bike racks, making the area more accessible to those using eco-friendly transportation.
(Ref.1,2)

Marginalized groups

Children, young people or youth groups

People with functional diversities

Measures for inclusion of marginalised groups

1. People with Disabilities:
Accessible pathways and surfaces: Stabilized gravel and rubberized flooring were installed across key areas, providing smooth, even surfaces that accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids, ensuring ease of movement throughout the park.
Accessible seating and amenities: Benches, drinking fountains, and picnic areas were installed at accessible heights and locations, ensuring that people with limited mobility can easily use them.
Improved infrastructure: The installation of ramps, wide walkways, and accessible rest areas helps people with disabilities navigate the park safely and comfortably.

2. Children:
Age-specific playgrounds: Three separate playgrounds were created for different age groups (0-4, 4-12, 12-16 years), each equipped with age-appropriate and safe play elements to ensure fun and developmental activities for all.
Safety features: Poured rubber surfacing was used around playgrounds to cushion falls, ensuring a safe play environment for children.
Variety of play elements: A range of 39 different playground elements cater to different interests and developmental needs, providing an engaging and stimulating environment for children.
(Ref.1,2)

Specify measures taken for vulnerable or marginalized communities

Implementation of specific programs to address the needs of these communities

Other beneficiaries

Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators)

Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas)

Public health (e.g. increased physical activity opportunities, reduced stress)

4. Governance and financing

Governance

Governance arrangements

Government-led

Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative

Miskolc Megyei Jogú Város Önkormányzata (Miskolc Municipality) served as the main project initiator and overseer. Mento Kft. was responsible for the implementation and construction of the project. The European Union acted as a co-financier through the European Regional Development Fund, while the Hungarian State provided additional financial contributions alongside the EU.
(Ref.1,2,3,5)

Key actors - initiating organization

Local government/municipality

Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)

National government

Private sector/corporate actor/company

EU body

Stages of citizen and community engagement

Unknown

Level of citizen and community engagement

Limited

Community empowerment or capacity-building initiatives

Unknwon

Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders)

Co-planning (e.g. stakeholder workshops, focus groups, participatory mapping)

Uncommon actors ("Missing actors")

Unknown

Land owners

Public space owned by the city

Policy drivers

NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy

Unknown

NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan

Unknown

NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan

Yes

Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"

"Complex Strategy and Program for the Avas Hill Area" by the Municipality of Miskolc (Ref.1)

Relevant strategy or plan

City specific green space strategy or plan

Mandatory or voluntary intervention

Voluntary (spontaneous)

Enablers & Barriers

Type of enablers

Governance innovations (such as public private partnerships)

Funds, subsidies or investment for GI/NBS in the city (available for the city or provided by the city)

Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives.

European Regional Development Fund available for GI investment for the city (Ref.5).
The project was implemented through a collaboration between the municipality and a private actor. (Ref. 5)

Governace and decison-making instruments

Strategic instruments (e.g. GI strategies, green space strategy or plans)

Economic and fiscal instruments (e.g. subsidies or grants, charges or fees, payments for ecosystem services (PES))

Public - private business agreement (e.g. public private collaborations, public-private-partnerships (PPP))

Arrangements for governance cooperation

Unknown

Barriers

Unknown.

Financing

Total cost

More than €4,000,000

Please specify total cost (EUR)

The project titled "Creating a Green City in the Miskolc City Center – Historical Avas Action Area" (Horvath-hill green recreational area development is a part of this bigger project) was implemented with 100 percent funding, with contributions from the European Union and the Hungarian State, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The total amount of funding is 3,320,000,000 HUF (8,408,374.76 Euro), an unspecified amount of which was spent on the Horvath-hill green recreational area development. (Ref.5)

What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?

n/a

Source(s) of funding

Public national budget

EU funds

Type of fund(s) used

Earmarked public budget

Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities)

Non-financial contribution

Co-finance for NBS

Yes

Co-governance arrangement

A fund / grant

Entrepreneurship opportunities

Unknown

Business models

Green densification model

Vacant space model

Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?

Public actor (e.g. municipality)

5. Evaluation and learning

Impacts, benefits

Environmental impacts

Environmental quality

Improved soil quality

Expected improved soil quality

Water management and blue areas

Improved stormwater management

Expected improved stormwater management

Green space and habitat

Increased green space area

Achieved increased green space area

Increased number of species present

Achieved increased number of species present

Restoration of derelict areas

Achieved restoration of derelict areas

Description of environmental benefits

-Improved soil quality/-Improved stormwater management: “Renovation of the rainwater drainage system: a so-called 'soil depression' was created in the lower section to collect rainwater from the hill and help direct it into the root zone of the vegetation.” (Ref.1)
-Increased green space area: “The project involved the implementation of a green picnic filed and the planting of several trees and shrubs” (Ref.1)
-Restoration of derelict areas: “They have completely reformed the previously forgotten and decaying area into a vibrant green recreational area offering opportunities for all ages.” (Ref.10)
-Achieved increased number of species present: "Installation of 6 evergreen trees
Installation of 57 tall shrubs
Installation of 276 medium height shrubs
Planting of 2,689 low and ground-covering shrubs
Planting of 7,092 perennials
Planting of 376 ornamental grasses
Planting of 143 ferns" (Ref. 1)

Environmental impact indicators

Total number of vascular plant species protected or introduced

~10,500

Green space area created (in ha)

Economic impacts

Stimulate development in deprived areas

Achieved stimulate development in deprived areas

Description of economic benefits

Stimulate development in deprived areas: "For several years the Avas area has been left to decay, until the Municipality of Miskolc set out on a large-scale development plan to create 'a green city in Miskolc inner city - historical Avas action site' supported by EU funding." (Ref.1)

Evidence for use of assessment

Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process

Unknown

Presence of indicators used in reporting

No evidence in public records

Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports

No evidence in public records

Availability of a web-based monitoring tool

No evidence in public records

Name of any specific impact assessment tools

Unknown.

Use of GIS in mapping impacts

No evidence in public records

Cost-benefit analysis

Unknown

Transparency

Meetings with stakeholders’ representatives

Public disclosure of project funding sources and/or budgets

Justice

Community satisfaction

Positive: The majority of feedback and reports indicate high levels of satisfaction and appreciation for the NBS project within the community.

Description of locals satisfaction with the project

Positive:
This is how we arrived at the handover of Horváth-tető, which—despite mostly justified criticism—has been praised by those whose opinions matter most: the residents of Miskolc. "I think this is now the best playground in Miskolc, it’s fantastic," exclaims Anett, seeing the joy of her children. The family came to the hill on a weekday to avoid the crowds, which is why they chose this time. "And we were really curious about the new play equipment, the renewed environment, and the resting and lookout points," she adds.

"The whole family is very happy that this development was finally completed. The city really needed something like this," she says. "It was nice to see how many people were out enjoying the good weather; even the difficulty in finding a parking spot didn’t bother us. It’s a joy to see how the youngest kids are enjoying the lively atmosphere among the dancing youth. There’s peace and tranquility, while we see a vibrant big city."
(Ref.11)
"the creation of the recreational park was fundamentally an excellent idea, and Horváth-hill has become a popular spot for relaxation for both the residents of Miskolc and visitors to the city."
(Ref.9)

Trade-offs & Negative impacts

Unknown

Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement

No initiatives or policies were implemented

High-quality & Transformative NBS

Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community)

Goal setting and impacts delivery

No, project goals were not set, and benefits were not delivered in all 3 key areas.

Reaching original project goals

Most of the project goals were achieved

Please specify the achievements of the project goals

Social Justice and community:
-Improved access to urban green space: “The project involved the implementation of a green picnic filed and the planting of several trees and shrubs” (Ref.1)
-Increased opportunities for social interaction: “The goal of the Horváth-tető development was to create attractive community spaces where multiple age groups can relax together, offering sports and play opportunities for people with disabilities, and providing a space where dog owners can finally spend time with their pets in European-standard conditions.” (Ref.1)
-Gain in activities for recreation and exercise: “Young people who enjoy sports can look forward to street workout equipment, an outdoor gym, a skate park, as well as a climbing wall and parkour elements.” (Ref.1)
-Increased perception of safety: “The project involved the implementation of smart street lamps to enhance the sense of public safety on the walkways” (Ref.4)

Long-term perspective

Yes

Cost-effective solutions

Unknown

Equitable impacts

A. All stakeholders benefit fairly from the project

Transformative capacity

Ecological change (e.g. ecosystem functions and their distribution)

Magnitude of change

Unknown

Application of lessons learned

Unknown

Perception of Environmental Change

Unknown

6. Sources

References

Municipality of Miskolc (n.d.). Aktív rekreációs zöldterület fejlesztése a Horváth-tetőn. Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Municipality of Miskolc (n.d.). Horváth-tető Szabadidőpark. Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Mento Kft. (n.d.). Horváth-tető fejlesztése. Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Wikipedia contributers (n.d.). Avas. Wikipedia, Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Municipality of Miskolc (2023). Press report - Zöld város kialakítása Miskolc Belváros – Történelmi Avas akcióterületen. Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Nagy-Hanko, K. (2023). Zöld területeket fejlesztettek Miskolcon. BOON, Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

minap.hu (2023). Épül az Avas-tető, rá sem fogunk ismerni. Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

HM (2022). Birtokba vették Miskolcon a Horváth-tetőt. BOON, Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Szaniszlo, B. (2023). Még egy éves sincs, de már megcsonkították a Horváth-tetőt. BOON, Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

10.

Bodogh, D. (2023). Kijavítva várja a nyarat a Horváth-tető. minap.hu, Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

11.

Kujan, I. (2022). Szívükbe zárták a miskolciak a játékparadicsomot a Horváth-tetőn. minap.hu, Accessed on September 5, 2024, [Source link] [Archive];

Comments and notes

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