The former military playground within Banjaluka’s “Akvana” Water Park has been completely transformed, much to the delight of children and their parents.
The new sports and recreation complex was officially opened, with Banjaluka Mayor Draško Stanivuković joining the many children who came to celebrate the occasion.
“This is the largest sports and recreational center. On an area of more than 11,000 square meters, you have everything a young person, athlete, recreational enthusiast, child, or pensioner could need. We have completed the construction of the largest sports and recreation complex — a park, a space for leisure and enjoyment for all generations. The former military playground next to Borik and Akvana was once an eyesore. We have now completely renovated and landscaped it, investing significant funds,” said the mayor of the largest city in Republika Srpska.
The site now features everything from children’s playgrounds to sports fields.
“There will also be an outdoor gym, a military-style obstacle course for those seeking extra adrenaline, and true sports fields — football, basketball, and padel courts, which we also plan to expand due to great interest. There are tables for table tennis, a roller-skating track, and hospitality facilities. Covering more than 11,000 square meters, this complex is unique — not only in Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina but almost in the entire Balkans. The number of children, grandparents, athletes, and citizens here today shows we made the right move. This place can now host major tournaments, concerts, and festivals. I am sure that this area, once completely neglected, will become a spot everyone will love,” said Stanivuković.
He added that Banjaluka has achieved much — and will continue to build and improve.
“Moving forward, we do not forget what Banjaluka once had — from fountains to Sokolski sports grounds. We have done a lot and left an indelible mark. This will be a place people will love for decades. We have built five parks, promenades, a lookout point, the Central Memorial, a sports gymnasium, a new elementary school, the Predah House, the Construction School, we are restoring Kastel Fortress, and we now have a new cultural landmark — the Milanović House. We have created more landmarks than Banjaluka ever had in its history,” concluded the city’s mayor.
Source: See Srpska
