Sławno, Łódź, Poland
Sławno is a medium-sized municipality by Polish standards, located about 80 km from Łódź. Its development process has thus far been based on two central pillars: improving the quality of life through extensive infrastructure development and increasing the number of jobs and economic potential, particularly through the establishment of large companies within the municipality and the utilization of tourism potential.
Significant investments were first made in the water supply, gas, and transportation networks. Two wastewater treatment plants and an extensive sewer network were also built. Residents have access to attractive playgrounds and modern sports facilities, including several multifunctional sports fields and gyms. The moraine hills, formed by natural geological processes, are particularly appealing to both local and visiting mountain bikers.
Geology plays an important role in the municipality of Sławno overall: in 2012, particularly significant paleontological fossils were discovered in a local quarry. Based on this discovery, a geopark was established through collaboration between the municipal administration, science, and industry, which is beneficial both for tourism and scientific research and serves as a good example of utilizing the specific potentials of a location. In addition to the geopark, the expansion of hiking and cycling infrastructure has added further attractiveness for both tourists and residents. The new footpaths and bike paths, in particular, provide more safety while also promoting environmentally friendly mobility. Especially noteworthy is the Social Center, which offers therapy and rehabilitation at the highest level and also serves as a contact point for people in need. The fire department and numerous associations, which are primarily responsible for the cultural and social life of the community, also play a central role.
Sławno is well on its way to establishing itself as a recognized geotourism center, which also has great appeal to sports enthusiasts. It is a community where one can live, work, and relax well.
In 2016, the municipality of Sławno launched a comprehensive project consisting of several measures aimed at utilizing its abundant natural and cultural assets to create new tourism offerings. The project was co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under the Regional Operational Program of the Łódź Voivodeship. The most important infrastructures developed include a new tourist information center with a rental station for sports equipment, a skate park, a playground, and an outdoor fitness studio. All these facilities are connected by hiking and cycling trails, which, along with a “Natura“ path, were created during the project implementation.
The absolute highlight is the geo-educational area, which was only made possible through intensive collaboration between scientists, local authorities, and the owner of the Owadów-Brzezinki quarry. It includes a paleontological pavilion as well as geo-educational trails near the active quarry and was opened in June 2019. The geopark leverages a significant scientific discovery made in 2012 when two paleontologists found unique and very well-preserved paleontological fossils of marine and terrestrial organisms in the municipality‘s territory. This site is described as a new “taphonomic window“ of the Jurassic period, offering insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
A standout methodological approach of the project was the multidimensional collaboration between private, public, and scientific actors, as well as the involvement of non-governmental organizations. For instance, the municipality‘s cycling club contributed to the planning and implementation of the “Natura“ cycling path, while the volunteer fire department and the local women‘s association participated in the revitalization of areas in the town center and near the historic parish church. Other complementary measures, in addition to developing public spaces, included the construction of a modern bus stop with an interactive information board, the building of a fountain, the installation of a memorial statue of the Virgin Mary, the modernization of street lighting, and the renewal of power lines.
The project has had positive impacts on tourism development and other socio-economic aspects of life in the municipality of Sławno. Visitor numbers at the sports and recreation center have increased, and the geopark has become a site where national and international conferences and scientific workshops take place more and more frequently. The quality of life for residents has improved significantly due to the newly created recreational opportunities. The project‘s experiences have inspired the municipality to pursue further tourism initiatives and have also encouraged other local governments to better utilize their local resources.
Evaluated: 2024
