PHOTO WALK THROUGH BANJA LUKA'S "LIBERATION PARK"

Banja Luka has inaugurated the "Liberation Park," dedicated to the victims of the High Treason Trial, situated at the site of the former "Kozara" cinema.

PHOTO: Aleksandar Čavić

Along with numerous fellow citizens, the Mayor of the largest city in the Republic of Srpska, Draško Stanivuković, attended the grand opening of one of five new parks. On this occasion, he remarked that this park represents a victory for the citizens and for Banja Luka.

The uniqueness of this park lies in the fact that it was created where a skyscraper was supposed to be. Back in 2018, a 15-story building was planned for this location, and it took almost four years of struggle to stop it. The fight was challenging, involving changes to the zoning plan and land use, and it lasted over two years. This is a great victory for the citizens and our Banja Luka - said the Mayor.

During World War I, the site of the newly built park housed a Higher Girls' School and a gymnastics hall, where trials were held against 165 Serbs, who were convicted of treason against the state at the time. Sixteen of them were sentenced to death, which is why the location has been named "Liberation Park."

It has been announced that various cultural events will be organized in the park.

This park will provide us with peace, tranquility, and a place where children can play and the elderly can rest. It is a significant ecological and cultural moment. I am truly delighted and grateful that all our requests have been recognized and fulfilled. We asked for the sidewalk in front of the building to be repaired, as well as the stairs, which has been done. We asked for this park, and the picture itself speaks volumes. The Mayor and his team have truly respected everything, and we are immensely grateful - said one of the residents of this part of Banja Luka.

To recall, in addition to this park, Banja Luka recently opened the Book Park, and the largest city park near the "Delta Planet" shopping center and the park dedicated to King Tvrtko I Kotromanić, as well as the Cyrillic Park, will soon be completed.