Great Park (Veliki park)
Šumadijski okrug
Great Park, also known as Veliki park or Upper Park, is the largest green area within the urban zone of Kragujevac, Serbia. Spanning over 10 hectares, it was officially opened to the public on April 26, 1898, and has since been a favorite retreat for locals. The park features a central main promenade lined with red-leafed plum trees, surrounded by winding side paths with flower beds, ornamental trees, and shrubs. Historically, the park was designed as a free composition style with a circular widening called a rondel at the center, once hosting a musical pavilion. Today, the central rondel is adorned by the 'Wounded Man' memorial fountain, a notable work by local sculptor Dragan Panić. The park hosts numerous sports facilities including basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, American football, and handball courts, as well as a balloon hall, several children's playgrounds, and a dog park. In 2017, the Creative Great Park section was opened, offering modern play equipment and spaces for youth and elderly relaxation. Additionally, in November 2023, Serbia's largest concrete skate park with night lighting was inaugurated within Great Park, enhancing its appeal as a hub for sports and community events. The park is also a venue for various city celebrations and cultural events, making it a vital social and recreational space in Kragujevac.
Planifiez votre voyage en Serbie avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: The best time to visit Great Park is during spring and early summer when the floral displays and tree foliage are at their peak. Visitors are encouraged to explore the central promenade and side paths for a full experience of the park's greenery and monuments. Tickets are generally not required as it is a public park, but checking for any special event schedules or temporary closures is advisable. The park offers free access to playgrounds and sports facilities, while some events may require prior registration or tickets. Visitors with dogs can make use of the dedicated dog park area. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the extensive pathways.
Faits intéressants
- •The entrance pillars were made from stones of a former Turkish mosque.
- •The 'Wounded Man' fountain is a notable sculpture by Kragujevac artist Dragan Panić.
- •Originally, 25 busts of national heroes lined the main promenade; most were stolen or melted down.
- •In 2011, five of six bronze lion heads decorating the fountain were stolen but later restored.
- •The park was fully renovated in 2015 to mark its 110th anniversary.
- •In 2023, a floral tunnel was created along the central alley with climbing roses.
- •Serbia's largest concrete skate park, with night lighting, opened in the park in 2023.
Histoire
Great Park was established in the late 19th century, with landscaping work beginning in 1895 and the park opening to the public in 1898.
Originally called Upper Park, its entrance included stone pillars repurposed from a demolished Turkish mosque.
The park's plantings were renewed in 1932 using saplings from the Rogot nursery, historically linked to King Milan Obrenović's hunting grounds.
In 1950, the musical pavilion was removed and replaced by the 'Wounded Man' memorial fountain.
Over time, many busts of national heroes that once lined the central promenade were stolen or lost.
The park underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2015 to celebrate its 110th anniversary, restoring pathways, benches, and the memorial fountain.
Recent developments include the installation of a floral tunnel with climbing roses in 2023 and the addition of Serbia's largest skate park later that year.
Guide du lieu
Central Promenade and Entrance1898
The main straight walkway lined with red-leafed plum trees, featuring a circular widening called the rondel, historically the site of a musical pavilion and now home to the 'Wounded Man' memorial fountain.
Wounded Man Memorial Fountain1950
A commemorative fountain created by local sculptor Dragan Panić in 1950, symbolizing the wounded and resilience, located at the center of the park's main promenade.
Creative Great Park Section2017
A fenced one-hectare area opened in 2017 offering modern play equipment for children and youth, as well as relaxation spaces for the elderly, funded by the Dragica Nikolić Foundation.
Skate Park and Event Stage2023
Opened in November 2023, this is Serbia's largest concrete skate park featuring night lighting and an adjacent stage for various events and performances.
