Zielonka

Zielonka is a town in the Masovian Voivodeship, within the Wołomin County, and is part of the Warsaw agglomeration. It was granted housing estate status in 1956 and received town rights in 1960. According to data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) as of December 2021, the population was 18,179. Thanks to its abundant forest areas and clay pits, the town serves as a recreational center and features designated tourist trails, including one along the Długa River. Zielonka boasts several types of landmarks, such as the Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa, an early 20th-century social care home, and modern educational facilities like a repurposed primary school. The Military Institute of Armament Technology is also located within the town. Notably, Polonia Aero—an emerging laboratory for aircraft propulsion research—and a center for producing surface-to-sea missiles are being developed here. Zielonka is also home to several kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, as well as a Culture and Sports Center, which organizes various cultural events. The town's history dates back to the Mesolithic era, and its development in the 19th and 20th centuries was closely tied to the railway transport established in 1862. The area has a rich historical background, including involvement in insurrections and wars, such as World War II, during which executions of residents took place. Today, Zielonka is characterized by well-developed transport and service infrastructure, and its surroundings are protected under the Natura 2000 program, highlighting its valuable natural assets. The town also features numerous valuable trees designated as natural monuments and protected areas, further emphasizing its ecological significance. As an important road and railway junction, Zielonka enjoys excellent connections to Warsaw and neighboring localities.