The investment proposal for renovating and rethinking Margaret Island was accepted in December, and with the right amount of money saved for the purpose, city development is now organizing the renewal of the area. After last year’s flood the running track needs renovation and the good news is that plans follow earlier suggestions by running communities. The loop gets illuminated on its entire length, that remains the same, but the track will get wider, and surveillance cameras will be installed. To save it from getting washed away by the river again, the track gets a concrete base and new casing, recommended by the International Association of Athletics Federations. For the visually impaired running will be available at the athletic track of MAC (Margaret Island Athletics Center), provided by an EU application. The goal is for the island to be available for all.

To develope the island to its fullest potential, the department wants to improve the relationship between runners and non-runners by providing only pedestrian walkways and protecting the running track with signboards and line markings.

Renewing the running track is only a part of the plan. By modernizing the sports grounds of MAC and opening the building for sportsmen - providing safety deposites, changing rooms and showers, which can be used for a symbolic price -, the long-term objective is a brand new Race Center, optimal for athletic uses as well as for ball games or swimming. Street workout places are parts of the plan as well, just like making it easier to reach the island by bicycle, a BuBi (Budapest Bike) public bike station will be constructed next to Hajós Alfréd National Swimming Pool. With these enhancements, Margaret Island will become not only a sports island - a perfect host for competitive sports -, but also a place for friends and communities to get together.

Based on the responses recieved so far, the need for new community places, and facilities supporting healthy lifestyle is clear. The budget is given, but lot of the ideas can be implemented by good will and some organizing. The Department of City Building welcomes ideas and proposals until the end of March on their Facebook page and the renovation starts mid April, by closing half of the running track at once. The new track will get ready by September, so the new school-year starts with new opportunities.

Communication plays a key role in this whole project, and I believe it’s a good idea to involve in the brainstorming phase of the development professionals and city dwellers as well. I can’t wait to read about the final plans, and see how our city is changing.