Szczęśliwicki Park

Szczęśliwice Park, located in Warsaw's Ochota district, is a place with a rich history and diverse fauna and flora. Established in the 1960s on land that had remained undeveloped before the war due to its proximity to the forts of the Warsaw Fortress and clay extraction by the Oppenheim brothers' brickyard, the park has undergone significant transformation. After the war, the area was used as an illegal landfill, but after reclamation, it was turned into a green recreational space, complete with ski slopes and water reservoirs. The name "Szczęśliwice" comes from the former village of Stenclewice. In the 1990s, the park gained additional sports infrastructure, and a plot was allocated for the construction of the Church of St. Gregory the Great, shifting its character towards sports and leisure. The park is highly popular among Varsovians, ranking high in surveys concerning green spaces. The park's flora includes pioneer species and diverse trees such as poplars, maples, and lindens, making it an important site for biodiversity. Within the park, the presence of many bird species has been noted, including rare ones like the white-backed woodpecker and the little bittern. The waters of the Glinianki reservoirs are home to many fish species, and the park is regularly stocked with fish. Among its curiosities is Szczęśliwice Hill, an anthropogenic mound with a ski lift and summer sledding opportunities, as well as the discovery of fossilized teeth of a Merck's rhinoceros during clay extraction in 1935. Additionally, the park hosts numerous festivals and cultural events, making it a significant part of social life in Warsaw. Its location, adjacent to other buildings and recreational areas, makes it a convenient place for spending time outdoors.