Chvojkovy lomy

Chvojkovy lomy is a park in the Slovany district of Plzeň, laid out on the site of former sandstone quarries. Today it functions mainly as a green recreational area with a small pond, walking paths and rest spots, popular with residents of the surrounding neighborhood.

Where does the name come from?

The name comes from the company run by brothers Josef and Václav Chvojka, who operated the sandstone quarries here. The quarries once covered an area bordered by today's Koterovská, Táborská, Lobezská and Částková streets. Extraction peaked in the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century, after which the pits were abandoned and the land gradually turned wild before eventually being repurposed.

How did the park come to be?

In the 1960s, part of the former quarry site was turned into a park, officially named Park Přátelství (Park of Friendship), though locals more commonly call it Chvojkovy sady or simply Chvojkovy lomy. It was designed by Miloslav Hrubec and Bohumil Kmínek, who drew inspiration for its open, informal layout from the landscaped grounds of the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58). That influence explains why the park feels looser and more naturalistic than the typical geometric city park.

What else is nearby?

On the edges of the former quarry area, where sandstone was once cut, you'll now find the sports facilities of the TJ Lokomotiva Plzeň club along with a public swimming pool. The park itself serves a recreational role and also hosts smaller community and cultural events organized by the local district.

How has the park changed recently?

The park underwent a major renovation costing nearly nine million Czech crowns, funded by Plzeň's second municipal district. The works renewed the pond and its surroundings, replaced worn-out concrete structures, installed new railings and added fresh furnishings — including new play areas, terraces and benches. The result is a more modern, functional space that still keeps the green, open character the park has had for decades.

Who is this place for?

Chvojkovy lomy suits people looking for a quiet break from the city rather than a headline sight — families using the playgrounds, walkers circling the pond, and Slovany residents who treat the park as an extension of their own neighborhood. It's not typically on a visitor's checklist of central Plzeň attractions, but it's worth a look for anyone curious about the city's industrial past and how former quarry land can be reshaped into public space.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chvojkovy lomy a nature reserve? No — it's a municipal recreational park, officially named Park Přátelství, built on the site of former sandstone quarries.

Where does the name "Chvojkovy" come from? From the surname of brothers Josef and Václav Chvojka, owners of the company that quarried sandstone here in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

What can you do in the park? Walk around the small pond, relax on the terraces and benches, use the playground, and, at the nearby TJ Lokomotiva Plzeň facilities, take advantage of sports grounds and a swimming pool.

Was the park recently renovated? Yes, it went through a renovation costing close to nine million Czech crowns — the pond was renewed, concrete structures replaced, and new furnishings added.

Who designed the park? Miloslav Hrubec and Bohumil Kmínek in the 1960s, taking inspiration from the landscaped grounds of Expo 58 in Brussels.