Green retention in Krakow. First implementations of the Urban Greenery Board in Krakow and plans for sustainable water management The reconstruction of Krupnicza Street in Kraków, completed in May last year, is an example of innovative green retention solutions that could become a model for other urban projects. The historic street gained a new face thanks to the planting of 39 trees (bird cherry and black alder), the introduction of thousands of shrubs and perennials, and the installation of rainwater tanks. The project includes rain gardens, which not only slow down the run-off of water, but also retain it, reducing the load on the city’s sewer system. The woonerf concept, with traffic calmed and shared space for pedestrians and cars, combined with green infrastructure, has contributed to the creation of a welcoming urban space. The redevelopment also included the installation of urban furniture, car parks and information boards highlighting the historical significance of the street. Another example of green retention in the completed investments of the Urban Greenery Management Board in Krakow is the Wisława Szymborska Park, opened last year. The park, located in a 19th-century development at the back of the former Francis Joseph barracks, combines historical values with modern green infrastructure solutions. The park is an oasis of relaxation and contemplation, designed as a sequence of interpenetrating garden interiors, with a unique selection of plants and space tailored to the needs of different social groups. The park includes a retention area for water collected from the roof of the Provincial Library next door, and a system of reservoirs with residing water treated by a hydrophytic treatment plant, which is also one of the park’s attractions. The well-known ‘Gardens of the Cracovians’ project, implemented by the Board of Urban Greenery, aims to create small, friendly green spaces in urban areas. In Krakow, 44 such spaces with a total area of about 12 ha have been realised in recent years. Like the Krakow Gardens project, the plan for creating green retention is to implement numerous small-scale solutions throughout the city, thus achieving economies of scale and significantly improving rainwater management. At the same time, we are looking at the potential for larger projects in which green retention will become the primary rainwater harvesting system, especially during heavy rainfall. This comprehensive approach will allow us to apply for infrastructure funding from European Union programmes such as the Fenix programme, thus supporting the development of green and blue infrastructure in Krakow. The update of the Directions for the Development and Management of Green Areas in Krakow for 2019-2030 includes the mapping of retention potential and the setting of water retention tasks. Green retention in Krakow, through innovative projects such as those at Krupnicza Street and Szymborska Park, not only improves the quality of life for residents, but also responds to the challenges of climate change. Through a sustainable approach that integrates green infrastructure into the urban landscape, Krakow is becoming an example of modern urban water management. Experienced local government employee. Graduate of the Faculty of Forestry at Krakow’s UR and postgraduate studies in Management in Public Administration at MSAP UEK, Real Estate Estimating at AGH Krakow, as well as garden and green area design at UR and PK. He has always been involved with Krakow’s greenery, first as an inspector and then as head of the Environmental Management Department of the Krakow City Hall, where he dealt with greenery protection issues. At the Urban Greenery Board, he was responsible for its maintenance. He is currently acting as director of this unit.