The Group “Preservation of Bedechka” Park in Stara Zagora Began Cleaning It

The group “Preservation of Bedechka” fulfilled their promise and began cleaning the park with the help of volunteers. This is significant because a referendum was held in June in the town of Stara Zagora regarding the future of the park. Due to its deteriorated state, there were plans to convert it into residential quarters. The referendum was declared invalid because of a turnout of 15%. However, 85% of the voters agreed that the green areas of the park must be preserved. Mayor of Stara Zagora, Zhivko Todorov, had announced in advance that he would take the result into acount, no matter the turnout. Therefore, the mayor has fulfilled his promise and has taken steps to preserve the park.

Before the referendum, the group “Preservation of Bedechka” promised that if the Municipality keeps the park, they will clean and restore it voluntarily. So far, the conservationists cleaned the footpaths and curbs, removed bushy shrubs and planted new flowers. They also placed an informative sign pointing towards the “Old Chinar”, a century-old oriental plane tree that is a national natural landmark and is located on the territory of the park.

There has been a meeting with Mayor of Stara Zagora and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov to discuss what will happen with any private properties currently within the territory of the green area. It is expected that the new park plan will be voted on in September.