Renovation of existing and historic natural watercourses in the Poznań area

The past two centuries have seen a number of significant changes in the hydrology of historic Poznan. The key processes we identify are the construction of a ring of forts around the polygonal fortress (1876-1896), the decision to demolish it at the turn of the 20th century, the rapid expansion of the city in the 1900s, and the changes that occurred during the construction of modernist neighborhoods in the 1960s and 1970s. During urbanization, some rivers changed their course (e.g. Wierzbak and Bogdanka during the construction of the Sołacz district) or were almost completely channelized (e.g. Piaśnica, Chartynia or Obrzyca during the construction of Rataj).
Today, we want to reuse the opportunity that lies in hidden rivers and former streams. We see significant potential in the project, which will help relieve the pressure on the rainwater drainage network that works after pressure during heavy rainfall, causing overflows in many areas of Poznań. The water that will be brought to the surface also means more greenery, reducing the effects of urban heat rash – by lowering the intensity and effects of rainfall and increasing the comfort of residents.
We have done a number of analyses, identifying potential sites for renaturalization. In the Rainwater Management Investment Plan, the project is included as construction of canal retention, and three locations have been identified for the first activities.

Co-founder of the Silva environmental association and co-founder of the urban movements in Poznań – the associations My Poznaniacy and Right to the City. From 2014 to 2018 Deputy Mayor of the City of Poznań. Currently Development Director at Aquanet Retention sp. o.o.