Changes in the Function of Allotment Gardens in an Attractive Location Based on the Example of Tri-City in Poland

Abstract

Allotment gardens are quite common in many European countries. In particular, they are an important part of the urban space in Central and Eastern Europe. They served to improve the inhabitants’ physical and mental well-being during the communist period and relieved the family budget thanks to their own crops. The article analyzes the functioning of allotment gardens in Poland based on the example of the Tri-City, with particular emphasis on allotment gardens in a prestigious, attractive location. Several research questions were asked regarding the change of the traditional function related to growing fruit and vegetables towards the modern function related to recreation and relaxation. A thesis was put forward that the attractive, seaside location of one of the allotment gardens on the border of Gdańsk and Sopot favors the dynamics of the changes in the function. New garden houses often resemble residential apartments in terms of comfort and function and are used for commercial rent during the summer, even though this is prohibited. In the study, the methods of a field query as well as a questionnaire survey and an in-depth interview were applied to check the state of the allotment holders’ knowledge on the applicable regulations regarding the functions of allotment gardens and their development, the size of garden houses and the rules of staying in the gardens, in particular living there. The questionnaire research and in-depth interviews were conducted at the beginning of 2020. The questionnaire research was conducted in February and March, and the in-depth interviews in May. The most pressing issues concerned the changing functions of allotment gardens and the perception of these changes by allotment owners who have gardens in a traditional form of cultivation. This study also allowed looking at possible neighborhood conflicts that may arise from a change in the function, in particular from the construction of houses with residential facilities, which encourages permanent residence in them, and sometimes subletting to tourists due to their attractive coastal location. The study helped to deepen the knowledge on the functioning of allotment gardens and transforming their functions into residential ones during the summer season. The obtained results show that nearly 60% of the surveyed respondents believe that seasonal occupation of allotment gardens should be allowed if their owners wish to do so. Most of the respondents encountered the problem of abnormal buildings and believe that the regulations in this respect should be followed. At the same time, they do not think that it is causing any problems for them. Conducting in-depth interviews, the information was obtained that the change of functions does not affect the existing, traditional users, and they mostly accept the changes taking place.

Can Allotment Gardens (AGs) Be Considered an Example of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Based on the Use of Historical Green Infrastructure?

“…They occupy a substantial area of most of the large city structures, e.g., approx. 2.2% of the area of the Katowice conurbation [28], 3.1% of Poznan area [34], and 2.92% of the entire Tri-City [35]. They are usually scattered across the city structure.…”

“…The provision of multiple social benefits, however, is quite limited in Poland (Figure 3B) [40]. First of all, it refers to the improper use of AGs in terms of illegal living, being used as shelters for the homeless, unauthorized construction, illegal garbage burning (which produces smog), as well as their transformation into residential houses during the summer season [35]. Moreover, abandoned plots compromise aesthetic values-they are perceived negatively by citizens and come to be regarded as dangerous places.…”

How are allotment gardens managed? A comparative study of usage and development in contemporary urban space in Germany and Poland

“…• variety in the "architectural styles" of huts Moskalonek, Połom and Puzdrakiewicz (2020) emphasise that older plot users are often unable to reach these new locations. Sifting AGs to more outlying locations also deepens the deficit of biologically active areas in the central districts of cities (Borysiak et al, 2017).…”

“…Allotment holders emphasised the use of sports grounds and shops, which may indicate that they spend their holidays on the allotment or even live there permanently. Such activities are particularly evident in naturally attractive areas, where it can even be the case that allotments are withdrawn for holiday recreation (Moskalonek et al, 2020). Furthermore, research by Borysiak, Mizgajski and Speak (2017) conducted in Poznan allotment gardens indicates that wresting AGs from city centres results in reduced support and regulation for ecosystem services.…”

Provision of Allotment Gardens and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of Tokyo, Japan

“…Historically, allotment gardens emerged as welfare for low-income families based on the idea of self-sufficiency. Over time, allotment gardens achieved multifunctional urban land use [18]. They began transforming from social welfare to leisure activities, becoming a place between agricultural production and passive recreation [19].…”