Podjasnogórska parks

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Podjasnogórska parks are two urban parks in Częstochowa, in the Podjasnogórska district, near the Jasna Góra Monastery. They are Stanisław Staszic Park (south) and 3 May Park (north). Together they cover about 11.8 hectares.

History and layout
The area was planned in the early 1800s as part of a new avenue project. The gardens were created starting in 1843 and finished around 1847. The parks later hosted pavilions for the 1909 Industry and Agriculture Exhibition. They sit on the eastern slope of Jasna Góra hill, at about 260–280 meters above sea level.

Protection
The parks are designated as historic monuments.

What you can see today
The parks contain several historic pavilions and spaces used by the Częstochowa Museum. In Stanisław Staszic Park you’ll find the Zodiak center for youth education in a former observatory pavilion. In 3 May Park there is a monument to Stanisław Moniuszko and nearby the Victoria Częstochowa tennis club.

Trees and nature
The parks are mostly covered with trees and shrubs. Stanisław Staszic Park has about 1,300 trees; 3 May Park has about 1,600. Many are very old, and some trees are protected as natural monuments.

Revitalisation
From 2006 to 2008 the parks were renewed to restore their historic look. Paths were rebuilt with granite, wood, and gravel. Two playgrounds and a small market square were added, along with water fountains. About 2,500 trees were removed to recreate the original planting. The parks reopened in February 2008, and the nearby Iron Ore Mining Museum reopened in May 2008. The project won a regional award in 2008.

Observatory and exhibitions
The observatory pavilion was renovated and reopened in 2010. Other pavilions were cleaned and their old façades restored, keeping the look of the early 20th century.

Facilities
There is a summer music gazebo, a 1,600 square meter water reservoir with fountains, and a restroom adapted for pilgrims.

Sports and clubs
In 3 May Park, the Victoria Częstochowa club runs five tennis courts and a clubhouse.

Rules
In the 2000s the city introduced closing times and activity rules for the parks. In 2009 a court case ruled that some rules were invalid.