Summer brings a whole new pace of life to Zamárdi. The streets fill with cars and pedestrians, particularly near the waterfront, where the popular public beach attracts plenty of visitors. And when a heavy summer downpour hits, an already busy area can quickly become even more difficult to navigate. That is why the improvements to Orgona Street were about much more than a fresh road surface or a few extra parking spaces. Thanks to EU funding, the area has been transformed into a safer, more welcoming public space, complete with a modern stormwater drainage system.
Planning the project revealed a particular challenge. The area’s natural characteristics and high groundwater levels meant that an underground drainage network was needed to manage rainwater safely and effectively. In a lakeside town like Zamárdi, this matters more than you might think. By collecting rainwater in a closed system, the new drainage network helps prevent pollutants from road traffic from seeping into the groundwater and potentially making their way into Lake Balaton. An underground oil separator helps filter contaminants from the runoff, while most of the drainage pipes are tucked away beneath green spaces and parking areas.
The changes above ground are much easier to see. Orgona Street has been resurfaced, a new pavement has been built and street lighting has been upgraded. Parking, which had long been a problem in the area, has also been reorganised. The project created 56 new parking spaces, including accessible bays and designated loading areas. Together with the redesigned road layout and improved lighting, these changes make getting around safer and easier, whether on foot or behind the wheel.
The project also gave plenty of attention to the area’s greenery. Existing trees and shrubs were kept wherever possible, and new planting has helped make the street feel greener and more inviting. This is particularly welcome during the summer, when trees and other vegetation provide much-needed shade, help keep the surrounding area cooler and reduce the heat that builds up on roads and in car parks.
The transformation of Orgona Street has finally addressed a problem that had affected this part of Zamárdi for years. Local properties are now easier and safer to reach, visitors heading to the nearby public beach can enjoy a more pleasant setting, and the improved drainage system helps protect the area from damage caused by heavy rain. Just as importantly, it reduces the risk of pollution reaching Lake Balaton, helping to preserve the lake’s natural beauty.
Sometimes, making a real difference does not require a grand transformation. A better road, safer parking and smarter drainage may seem like small changes, but in a busy lakeside town, they can go a long way towards making everyday life easier while protecting the environment for years to come.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project TOP_PLUSZ-1.2.1-21-SO1-2022-00033 under the Territorial and Settlement Development Operational Programme Plus.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder: Details
