Eco-Park Pribram

Northern Part:
Children’s Technological Playground

Central and Southern Part:
Training and Education in Ecology and Natural Sciences

1. Q-Club – AMAVET Center for Scientific and Technological Education and Ecological Training (the current building).
2. Pavilion with instructional and teaching aids and multi-projector hall.
3. Outdoor instructional and teaching aids for natural sciences.
4. Solar collectors, thermal pump, photovoltaic panels.
5. Micro hydro-electric power generator.
6. Demonstration of a water treatment system.
7. Aeration of streams.
8. Educational paths with natural scientific and ecological workshops and specimens of endangered plants.
9. Log cabin – for raising ponies. A bio-generator and clubroom.
10. Music tower for children.
11. A propane-butane fuelled train and railway for children with a tunnel and depot.
12. A small lake for radio-controlled model ships and submarines.
13. Breznicka Street.
14. The stream flowing through Pribram.
15. A small bridge.

The project for building an Eco-Park in Pribram originated several years ago. It is located directly in the center of Pribram, on the banks of the stream flowing through the town. The undeveloped piece of land is approximately one hectare in size, which according to the plan should remain a green zone to be used for relaxation and for the education of all citizens and visitors to Pribram.

The initiator of this lucrative plan is Peter Prause, who is the director of the institution. For several years now he has been active in the scientific and technological education and ecological teaching of youth at the Q-Club. Many other worthwhile activities for youth are also pursued.

Q-Club is visited by several hundred young people each week, and is one of the most active centers of the AMAVET Association for youth, science and technology. Initiatives of Q-Club include the EcoPark project - a part of which are the exhibits used as teaching aids, and whose production and maintenance will be ensured by the Q-club. An example exhibit in the area of ecology will be the production and use of energy from renewable resources.

Visitors here will have the opportunity to understand how a miniature hydro-electric power plant works, as well as various other kinds of wind generators, thermal pumps and solar collectors. All of these working exhibits, including the photovoltaic panels and a solar cooker will be connected to the electrical network of the Q-Club so that everyone can be informed about the effectiveness of their use. The significance of water for the existence of life will be demonstrated by a complex system for the cleaning and treatment of water.

One intention of this project is to inform people about well-known phenomena in the area of natural science. Therefore, exhibits such as a model of the Foucault pendulum and wave generators will also be installed in EcoPark.

A separate pavilion for audiovisual programs (for ecological and technical sciences) is also part of the project. This pavilion will also house exhibitions of the top showpieces from electronics, optics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and astronomy. Interesting educational displays with a “hands-on” approach will also be displayed here so that everyone can test some of the laws of physics (for example to ascertain the relationship between electricity and magnetism).

We are contemplating a smaller natural science exposition in the open space area of EcoPark. This exposition would show types of wood, minerals, parasitic and symbiotic fungi, specimens of endangered plants and so on. Here, smaller ecological projects could be possible such as a root system for the cleaning of water. The more interesting exhibits would have a language processor and would provide information to visitors.

A small complex of log buildings would serve as an area for livestock and a small agricultural area for children to grow things. For the entertainment of visitors, a part of the park will be equipped with various technological attractions such as a lagoon for launching model ships and radio-controlled submarines, musical towers, swings, monkey bars and a cable railway with steam trains for children (with dimensions of about 1:7).

EcoPark will have a well developed network of bicycle paths which will connect to the existing paths in Pribram and the surrounding area. There will be a rental for bicycles and carts. The paths will be ideal for children's electric carts and can also be used for competitions of model cars etc. The paths can also be used for activities and events for handicapped youth.

This type of project can influence the long-term progress of society and each individual contribution

EcoPark is a project which appreciates each individual contribution to the long-term progress of society and can influence its development. It explicitly serves the interests of the public and deserves their attention and support.

The systematic activity of EcoPark can be seen in the relation of youth to the environment, and in other attitudes to life. Thanks to the non-traditional formative activities, it can influence visitors of all ages. This project is comparable to several educational facilities in foreign countries and logically meshes with the planned application of the city of Pribram to the “Healthy City” project of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Lida Navratilova, Technical Magazine

We are searching for sponsors to make this plan a reality. Please send your suggestions to: qklub@mbox.speed.cz