The campaign for the inhabitants of Litvínov when they proposed and chose projects to be supported by ORLEN Unipetrol started in the autumn of 2019. Three projects made it to the finals: renovation of a part of the Citadela interior, revitalisation of the Pilař Pond vicinity, and a skate park. The locals chose one winning project – it is the revitalisation of the Pilař Pond’s surroundings. The area is now being changed into a sports and recreational zone for active and passive relaxation. ORLEN Unipetrol invested CZK 1 million in the project.
The town of Litvínov had already undertaken steps to pump up the pond in 2019 when it repaired the shafts, cleansed the pond, and prepared water structure specifications. The work continued in 2020. The most extensive items included emergency repairs of waste pipes in Ruská Street and on the premises of Schoeller. The cost of construction and technical works exceeded CZK 2 million. The sum of CZK 300,000 from ORLEN Unipetrol’s donation was used to cover this project. The waterway is expected to be finalised and cleared this year. The water surface has become a stronghold for water birds since the pond was filled up with water. Therefore, the town had a pier and box installed on the water surface.
The remaining CZK 700,000 from ORLEN Unipetrol and other funds from the town’s budget were allocated to purchase green exercisers and fitness machines. The fitness and playing elements in the park are worth about CZK 1.5 million. The town has also invested in sports ground adjustments and street furniture for more than CZK 700,000. They also plan to renovate the reservoir’s pavements and banks. The town chose this location for the pilot planting of two flower meadows. The flowers are expected to come into full bloom next summer.
In the campaign, inhabitants of Litvínov could submit their ideas and vote for the winner between October 2019 and January 2020. Katarzyna Woś, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the ORLEN Unipetrol Group, said: “The shortlist featured projects from six thematic areas: the environment, education, sport, family, culture, and public spaces. We are pleased that the final project is basically a combination of all categories. The ORLEN Unipetrol Group has long supported local towns and municipalities. That is why we have this time directly asked the inhabitants of Litvínov what their town needs. It was quite a surprise to see how many people joined the voting.”
The winning idea of the revitalisation of the area around the Pilař Pond received 1,184 votes. The skate park had 438 votes, and the renovation of the Citadela interior obtained 385 votes. The vicinity of the pond now features new fitness elements for senior citizens or inbuilt basketball baskets. The pond has a new outlet. “Together with Litvínov representatives, we have cut the symbolic ribbon of a new stage of the Pilař Pond area. As the largest employer in the region, we are working to be a good neighbour. The ORLEN Unipetrol to People project helps us accomplish this idea a lot. We believe the town’s inhabitants will enjoy the revitalisation of the local natural area for many years ahead,” sums up Tomáš Herink, a member of the Board of Directors of the ORLEN Unipetrol Group.
The town’s leaders found the idea of letting the locals decide on what will be supported interesting. “We want to thank you for this support. People in Litvínov could have their say on where a highly generous sum will be invested. We were pleased that votes for this project had outnumbered the others. It is because all age groups can enjoy various activities in the park around the pond,” added Kamila Bláhová, Mayor of Litvínov. The voters supporting the other two projects should not despair. Citadela’s interior has already undergone significant changes. The town does not give up the idea of building a skate park either. Mayor Kamila Bláhová has emphasised how she appreciates that ORLEN Unipetrol plays a significant role in the region and support of the neighbouring towns.
The ORLEN Unipetrol Group is the largest refinery and petrochemical company in the Czech Republic. It focuses on crude oil processing and on the production, distribution and sale of vehicle fuels and petrochemical products – particularly plastics and fertilisers. In all these areas, it belongs among the critical players on the Czech and Central European market. The ORLEN Unipetrol Group encompasses refineries and production plants in Litvínov and Kralupy nad Vltavou, Paramo with its Mogul brand in Pardubice and Kolín, Spolana Neratovice, and two research centres in Litvínov and Brno. ORLEN Unipetrol also includes a network of Benzina ORLEN filling stations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. With 420 filling stations, Benzina ORLEN is the largest chain in the Czech Republic. Since its entry in 2019 to Slovakia, Benzina ORLEN has been one of the fastest-growing chains and currently has 20 stations in its network. ORLEN Unipetrol employs more than 4,800 people. In 2005, ORLEN Unipetrol became a member of the ORLEN Group, the largest crude-oil processor in Central Europe. In addition to its business development, ORLEN Unipetrol is proud to be a socially responsible corporation. Therefore, it pays an equal amount of attention to initiatives, focusing on the cultivation and support of sustainable development, education, local communities, and the environment.
Contact: Pavel Kaidl, spokesman, telephone: +420 736 502 520, e-mail: pavel.kaidl@unipetrol.cz