The attractiveness of reclaimed and developed post-mining sites in Poland urban areas

Surface mining has been demonstrated to result in a multitude of alterations to the landscape. The excavations that result from this process have the potential to alter the landscape significantly and, moreover, pose a threat to public safety. Consequently, it is imperative to undertake reclamation and development initiatives in these areas. There are a number of approaches that may be adopted in order to reclaim and develop post-mining areas. One such strategy entails the adaptation of these elements for recreational or cultural utilisation. This solution appears to be the most beneficial in the case of facilities located in city centres or in their immediate vicinity. These spaces can function as sites of respite and leisure for the local population, while concurrently serving to safeguard their cultural heritage and constituting an integral component of the region’s cultural landscape. Moreover, these sites can operate as educational centres, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and the preservation of cultural traditions. The present paper assesses the attractiveness of post-mining sites. Four post-mining areas located within major urban agglomerations in Poland were selected for the study: The following locations are worthy of note: the Kadzielnia Reserve (Kielce), the Zakrzówek Park (Kraków), the Szmaragdowe Lake (Szczecin), and the Glinianki Bathing Area (Wrocław). The attractiveness of the subjects was assessed through the author’s evaluation and questionnaire surveys. The assessment was conducted in three distinct areas: namely, accessibility of facilities, land development, and preservation of natural and cultural values. The findings underscore the efficacy of adapting and utilising reclaimed and developed post-mining sites. These developments have been found to meet the expectations of residents and have gained popularity among visitors, while their natural development has been shown to have a positive impact on the environment, contributing to more sustainable urban development.