Rain gardens are coming to Budafok, with over 3,000 square metres of green space set to be developed

Around the same time as our interview with the head of the Media Department at ÉVOSZ was published, a statement from the Budafok-Tétény mayor’s office appeared on MTI: according to this, a two-billion-forint greening programme is to be launched in Budafok town centre. The ÉVOSZ section led by Péter Kálmán focuses specifically on the adaptability of urban infrastructure and urban water retention. The Budafok project ties in with this theme, with the creation of two rain gardens as one of its special features.

It seeps out slowly rather than running off

The rain garden is a specially designed area of a garden that collects and absorbs rainwater running off rooftops or other hard surfaces. It is planted with vegetation, so it acts as a natural filter, reduces the load on drains, replenishes groundwater and prevents flash floods, whilst also improving the microclimate. One of its main advantages is that it allows water to seep slowly into the ground, retaining it locally rather than letting it run off.

The Budafok project is also remarkable in terms of its scale: around 1,000 square metres of new green space will be created, and more than 2,400 square metres will be regenerated. Furthermore, the local council has managed to secure non-repayable funding for the development: under the Széchenyi Plan Plus „Let’s Build Hungary Together” programme, co-financed by the European Union, they have been awarded 1.996 billion forints.

The final plans are being drawn up with the involvement of the public and the relevant organisations

In addition to the two rain gardens, new tree-lined avenues, outdoor seating and communal spaces will be created; traffic calming measures or full „priority” for pedestrians and cyclists will also be introduced in several sections. Following the renovation, part of the Fáber Villa at 13 Városház Square will be put to communal use.

The announcement also specifies the areas concerned, stating that next to the Fáber villa

• Játék Street,
• Városház Square, from the junction with Káldor Adolf Street to the road in front of the town hall,
• The park area behind the tram terminus is being renovated.

Another important point is that the final plans are drawn up with the involvement of the local community and the institutions and organisations operating in the area concerned.