park U Rakováčku

Rakováček Park (Park U Rakováčku) is a compact riverside park in Rokycany, built in 2015 along Šťáhlavská street where the Rakovský stream runs through town. It replaced a straightened, concrete-lined channel with a naturalized watercourse that doubles as flood-control infrastructure and a wildlife refuge.

Why is it called Rakováček?

The name comes from the stone crayfish (rak kamenáč), a protected species that lives in the Rakovský stream in unusually large numbers for such a small urban waterway. The redesign specifically targeted this species: the streambed was relined with stones selected to give the crayfish shelter and breeding habitat, rather than the bare concrete that had lined it before.

What is there to see and do?

Wooden footbridges and rope crossings span the stream, letting visitors cross from one bank to the other — one of the park's signature features. Benches line the paths, and a dedicated play area for children includes a rope pyramid, willow-branch tunnels, net swings, and a slope used for sledding in winter. The park works equally as a short nature walk and a playground stop, since the stream itself is part of the attraction rather than just scenery.

How does it manage flooding?

Before 2015, the Rakovský stream ran through Rokycany in a straightened, concrete channel that pushed floodwater downstream quickly and violently during heavy rain. The renovation gave the stream room to spread out during high flow instead of forcing it through a narrow trough, cutting flood risk in the surrounding area while restoring a semi-natural habitat. It's a small-scale example of using green infrastructure for flood management rather than pure engineering.

Has the project won any awards?

Yes. The park took first place in the Adapterra Awards in the built-up areas category, a competition that recognizes climate-adaptation projects in the Czech Republic. It also received recognition in the regional Building of the Year 2015 competition for the Plzeň region and in the national Building of the Year 2016 awards.

Who should visit?

Rakováček Park is small enough to see in ten or fifteen minutes, making it an easy stop while exploring central Rokycany rather than a destination on its own. Families with children will find the bridges and play features worthwhile, while anyone interested in urban ecology gets a rare chance to see a protected crayfish species living in a stream that runs right through a town center.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the park located? Along Šťáhlavská street in Rokycany, following the Rakovský stream close to the town center.

Can visitors actually see the crayfish? The habitat was designed to support the stone crayfish population, though as wild animals they aren't always visible from the paths.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes — it has a rope pyramid, willow tunnels, net swings, and a sledding slope among its play features.

When was the park built? It opened in 2015, after the previously concrete-lined stream channel was redesigned.

Has the park received any awards? Yes — first place in the Adapterra Awards, plus recognition in the Building of the Year competitions for 2015 (Plzeň region) and 2016 (national).