Park Antonína Švehly

Tucked away in the heart of Říčany, Park Antonína Švehly whispers tales of resilience. This tranquil oasis, dedicated to Antonín Švehla, a prominent Czech politician, holds a secret history interwoven with the fabric of the town. Park Antonína Švehly isn’t just a collection of trees and benches. It’s a living testament to the community’s enduring spirit. Did you know that a bronze statue of Švehla once stood proudly in Říčany? During the communist era, it mysteriously vanished from the grounds of the People’s School of Art. For forty long years, its fate remained unknown, a silent casualty of political upheaval. Then, after the fall of communism, a remarkable story emerged. A group of elderly citizens, once young farm boys, confessed to their daring act. Under the cloak of a frozen winter night, they had secretly transported the statue across a frozen pond, using a tractor, to the town of Lipany. There, they hid it deep within a well, preserving it from the clutches of the regime. Today, Park Antonína Švehly thrives under the watchful eyes of the students and teachers of ZŠ Magic Hill. They’ve adopted the park, regularly cleaning it and even installing informative signs about the trees. As you stroll through the park, imagine the clandestine journey of that bronze statue. Picture those young men risking everything to protect a symbol of their heritage. Park Antonína Švehly is more than just a park. It is a testament to the enduring power of community and the quiet acts of courage that shape history.