The first athletic park in Romania designed for both professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts is set to be completed in June 2025, with public access beginning in the latter half of the year. Named „Athletic Park,” this groundbreaking project, funded 95% by the Bacău County Council and 5% by the Local Council, spans an impressive 4.4 hectares near the General Ștefan Gușă underpass. With a total investment of €14.5 million, this park promises to redefine athletic and recreational spaces in Romania.
The project, designed by renowned Danish architect Flemming Overgaard, incorporates a wide array of modern and innovative facilities. These include a 400-meter running track meeting international standards, a 309-meter uphill running trail, a centrifugal running bowl, areas for throws and jumps, a multi-purpose sports field (for handball, basketball, and mini-football), a beach volleyball court, a pump track for bicycles, and an obstacle course. Additional amenities include children’s playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, a recreational lake, and a multi-purpose building with lockers, rest areas, and social spaces. Public access to all facilities will be free of charge.
A European Inspiration
The concept for „Athletic Park” draws inspiration from Denmark’s „Athletic Exploratorium” in Odense, a facility designed by Overgaard and hailed as the world’s best outdoor athletic infrastructure by the International Olympic Committee in 2015. However, Bacău’s project introduces a larger scale and additional features to meet the diverse needs of the local community.
A Collaborative Vision
The idea of „Athletic Park” emerged in March 2022, following a visit by a delegation from the Bacău County Council to Odense. Recognizing the city’s limited sports infrastructure, the team, including then-Council President Valentin Ivancea, proposed an ambitious design. Overgaard developed multiple drafts, incorporating feedback from public consultations held between June and November 2022, involving local sports clubs, educational institutions, and residents.
Green and Inclusive Design
„Athletic Park” is not just a sports facility; it is also an urban oasis. Sixty percent of the park’s trees will be mature specimens, and the space is designed for year-round use. Unique elements include the wave-light system for running, enabling users to monitor their speed in real time via LED strips integrated into the track. An innovative obstacle course, developed with input from experts at the University of Bologna, provides a full-body workout.
The park also features a 309-meter uphill trail, culminating in a centrifugal running bowl with dual lanes, offering both a challenge and a breathtaking view.
Future Connectivity and Accessibility
The park will include 80 parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations, with plans to establish a dedicated public transportation line. Its comprehensive design ensures accessibility for everyone, from elite athletes to casual visitors, making it a cornerstone of community wellness and tourism.
„Athletic Park” is set to become a landmark for Bacău, elevating its status as a regional hub for sports and recreation. This transformative project heralds a new era in athletic infrastructure for Romania, combining cutting-edge innovation with inclusivity and sustainability.
