In January, the grove was thoroughly cleaned at the municipality’s request. Approximately 18 tonnes (sic!) of vile waste were removed. The cost of clearing illegal dumps was considerable. However, true order prevailed in the grove for only a few days.
The workers cleaning the grove did not hide their outrage. “One day, we collected all the discarded waste in the vicinity of the TBS housing estate,” they said. “The next day, some smart-alecks dumped smashed-up sofas and armchairs on the embankment in the same place. Oh, if I ever got my hands on one of them…” the cleaners commented. In the first days of February, there were more incidents. In the area of Ceglana Street, someone casually disposed of old electronic equipment.
Two years ago, the City Council adopted regulations governing the use of Lasek Złotoryjski. Their provisions are displayed on signs at the main entrances from Złotoryjska, Ceglana and Makuszyńskiego streets and from aleja Zwycięstwa. The regulations introduced, among other things, a ban on littering, damaging greenery and driving in cars. Yet even the most sensible rules, created to preserve the grove’s natural and recreational value, cannot replace appropriate behaviour by people visiting this charming place. Waste and rubbish are dumped here constantly, while cars, motorcycles and quad bikes drive over and devastate the green areas; and it is impossible to station municipal guards by every tree. Patrols will nevertheless firmly crack down on and penalize all behaviour that violates the regulations.
Lasek Złotoryjski is one of Legnica residents’ favourite places for walks, relaxation and recreation, especially during the summer season. It is a natural green area on the south-western edge of the city. Its history dates back to the end of the 19th century, and its beginnings lay in Lasek Mieszczański, developed as a park from 1890. The grove is very rich in various species of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants characteristic of meadow communities, which grow in clearings between the trees. It provides good conditions for foxes, roe deer, hares, badgers and many species of birds. Walkers and cyclists have as many as 8 kilometres of paths and forest tracks at their disposal.
“Let us respect this green treasure of the city,” the city authorities appeal.
UM Legnica/ii