Project design of a vantage point in Matysowskie forests in Rzeszów as an example of using woodland of different orography around town for recreation

Abstract

Urban forests play a number of functions other than those related to production, these include functions connected with recreation, education, climate, landscape and nature protection. The main purpose of the study is to present a concept design for development of recreational urban forests growing on the slope of Matysowskie Forests in Rzeszow. The extremely varied terrain configuration provided inspiration for designing a 1.600 metres long trail. At the altitude of 312 metres above sea level the trail ends with a viewing terrace located on the top of an artificial six-metre tall mound. This layout allows a view of Rzeszów skyline and makes it possible to avoid artificial structures dominating over the landscape. The proposed trail and viewing terrace in Matysowskie Forest in Rzeszów will definitely provide the public with a possibility of being in contact with nature, without the necessity of travelling far away from the city.