The area beloved today as Vizsla Park was recorded in 1800 as Visla Hidgyai Kaszáló (Visla Meadow). Much later, in 1927, a portion of the land was sectioned off to create Saint Stephen Square. After the Second World War, the land was drained and the Vizsla Stream which once flowed as far as Egerszeg Castle, near today’s Deák Square was covered over. Landscaping of the surrounding area began afterwards.

In 1969 the site was renamed Youth Park: the “youth” were commemorated with both a memorial stone and a statue placed within the large green space. The park later regained its historic name. To mark the 750th anniversary of the first written mention of Zalaegerszeg, the Coat-of-Arms House was built here in 1997, and a statue of King Béla IV was also unveiled.

Today the nearly 6.5-hectare Vizsla Park is the lush urban oasis of Zalaegerszeg, combining nature, culture, sport, and leisure. A renovated ball court, an adult playground, and street-workout equipment welcome fitness enthusiasts; runners can enjoy a 400-metre track. Cyclists will find a rest stop and service point along the cycle path that traverses the park. Families with children can explore the shaded, fully renewed Kisvizsla Playground, while a pavilion with a covered terrace offers refreshments, restrooms, baby nappy changing facilities, and public conveniences. Dog owners can allow their four-legged companions to roam freely in the fenced dog park.

One of the park’s most charming attractions is the sculpture Pajtások (“Pals”) that boasts the work of  Munkácsy Prize-winning sculptor Péter Szabolcs. Depicting children and their small pets, it has become another beloved meeting point in the city centre.