M. Klepacza Park

M. Klepacza Park is a 3.3-hectare green area in Polesie, wedged between Wólczańska Street, Skorupki Street and Politechniki Avenue. It grew from private gardens of Łódź industrialists, today managed by Łódź University of Technology, and the proximity of the university campus gives it a quiet, intimate character, different from the larger parks in the city centre.

How the industrialists' garden came about

The history of the park dates back to 1904, when private ornamental gardens were established on this site at the residences of the Richter family, one of the factory-owning families of nineteenth-century Łódź. The gardens were meant for the relaxation of the owners and their guests, not for city residents.

From private garden to public park

After 1945, the industrialists' property passed into public ownership, and the area was transformed into a park accessible to all, then named after Stanisław Worcell. In 1960, the fences separating the former private plots were removed, which united the scattered gardens into one coherent park. The change of patron was introduced only in 1994, when the park received its present name in honour of Bishop Michał Klepacz.

Heritage status and greenery

The park was entered in the register of heritage monuments in 1983 under number A/292, confirming the value of the vegetation layout remaining from the former industrialists' gardens. Around 232 trees grow here with trunk circumferences over 15 centimetres, plus at least 130 shrubs, which for such a small area in the city centre creates a dense, compact tree stand.

Łódź University of Technology as manager

Since 2017, the park formally belongs to Łódź University of Technology, although the handover of the land by notarial deed took place earlier. The proximity of the university means the park is used mainly by students and staff of nearby faculties, as well as Polesie residents on their daily walks. The city has organised walks here as part of the Green Łódź cycle, connecting the route with the nearby Cathedral Square.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Wólczańska 218, Łódź, Polesie district
• Getting there: entrances from Wólczańska Street and Politechniki Avenue, parking nearby
• Hours: park open daily from 6:00 to 22:00, it is worth checking current hours before visiting
• What to expect: an intimate campus park with heritage trees, without extensive recreational facilities