About this place
The Municipal Park in Polička stretches along the edge of the town's historic core, right next to Synský Pond, at an elevation of roughly 460 metres above sea level. It's the oldest and largest green space in Polička, used daily by locals and visited by tourists exploring the walled old town in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.
How did the park come to be?
Work on laying out the park began in 1902, following a design created by a teacher at the local teachers' institute who had previously worked as a gardener at a manor house. That background shows: the park was planned from the outset with a deliberate network of paths and plantings rather than growing haphazardly. More than a century later, the trees have matured into a proper parkland canopy rather than looking like recent landscaping.
What kind of greenery is here?
The park is home to 104 tree species — an unusually high count for a park in a small town. Alongside common species that have grown to impressive size over the decades, visitors can spot specimens rarely seen in Czech parks, such as the maidenhair tree (ginkgo biloba). For anyone interested in trees, a walk through the park doubles as a chance to identify species you won't find in an average municipal green space.
What historical memorials stand in the park?
Three monuments commemorate figures tied to Czech culture: composer Bohuslav Martinů, who was born in Polička, composer Bedřich Smetana, and writer Svatopluk Čech. Martinů in particular is given prominence here — the park forms one stop on the town's educational trail dedicated to the composer's life and work.
A notable piece of infrastructure is a riveted cast-iron footbridge dating from 1901. It's now recognised as a technical monument and connects the section of the park near the historic centre with the area around the local grammar school.
Is the park family-friendly?
The park includes a children's playground fitted with musical play elements, so kids can experiment with sound alongside the usual climbing and running around. There's also a small refreshment stand on site, making it easy to break up a longer walk with coffee or a snack without leaving the green area.
Can a walk here be combined with learning something?
Near the entrance, on the side marked by the red-coloured hiking trail, an information board with a map helps visitors orient themselves among the paths. The park is also one of the stops on the town's educational trail, with a specific point dedicated to Bohuslav Martinů and his ties to Polička.
An open-air sculpture gallery
In recent years the park's character has been enriched by an open-air sculpture display. Works created during the 2024 "Umění na Poličce" (Art in Polička) sculpture symposium were placed partly in the municipal park, turning a walk among the old trees into an encounter with contemporary art outdoors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the municipal park in Polička located? On the edge of the town's historic core, next to Synský Pond, at about 460 metres above sea level.
How old is the park? Its layout dates back to 1902, designed by a local teacher who had previously worked as a manor gardener.
How many tree species grow in the park? 104 species, including rarer ones such as the maidenhair tree.
What monuments are in the park? Memorials to Bohuslav Martinů, Bedřich Smetana, and Svatopluk Čech.
Is there anything for children? Yes, a playground with musical play elements and a refreshment stand on site.
Are there any technical monuments in the park? Yes, a riveted cast-iron footbridge from 1901.
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