Pionirska dolina breaks record: Over 40,000 visitors in just two months

(Patria) - Pionirska dolina, a recreational and educational space that has been an indispensable family gathering place in Sarajevo Canton for decades, recorded an exceptional spring result. During April and May 2026, this gem within the public enterprise "Park" was visited by over 40,000 visitors.

Official records show about 25,000 tickets sold, but the actual picture is much broader. Two large family events – including one marking Sarajevo Canton Day – attracted over 10,000 guests, with entry free for all at one of them. Children under five and socially vulnerable categories, who always enter Pionirska dolina free of charge, are not included in that number.

In the same period last year, a maximum of 35,000 visits was recorded. The difference of over 5,000 visitors in one year speaks to the recognizability and growing interest in this space.

Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton Nihad Uk congratulated the Pionirska dolina team on the achieved results and emphasized the broader value of this space for the city:

“Pionirska dolina is a synonym for family togetherness, but increasingly also for socially responsible business and inclusion. I remind that the Education Center in Pionirska dolina is a joint project of Sarajevo Canton and the company 'Park'. The facility was built at the end of 2024, has over 400 square meters, two halls, and a veterinary unit. It is intended for education on environmental and nature protection. I congratulate the team of KJKP 'Park' on the record visits and invite all citizens to visit and enjoy this oasis of nature in the heart of the city.”

Behind the record numbers are concrete programs. Two zoo-schools in April and May gathered over 140 students from Goražde and Ustikolina.

Pionirska dolina also hosted a special one-day program for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers, organized in cooperation with Caritas Switzerland in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, this week, dozens of school excursions from across Bosnia and Herzegovina choose Pionirska dolina as their first or mandatory stop on the way to Sarajevo.

From KJKP "Park" Sarajevo, they emphasize that behind these results stands a clear vision and highlight plans for the continuation of the season:

“Pionirska dolina is a center of educational and inclusive programs for children and families from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and beyond. We are proud that in just two months we hosted over 40,000 visitors, and we are especially pleased that we managed to ensure free entry for socially vulnerable categories and the youngest. After the summer months, already at the beginning of September, we plan a large humanitarian bazaar for institutions dealing with the upbringing and education of children with developmental disabilities. With the start of the new school year, we also expect the second phase of the Zoo-School project for children from returnee towns, in cooperation with the Ministry of Displaced Persons and Refugees of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

KJKP "Park" and Pionirska dolina continue with programs that promote animal protection, nature, and social responsibility – faithful to the mission of being a place of joy, learning, and togetherness for all. Pionirska dolina is located at Patriotske lige 58, just 2 km from the center of Sarajevo, and is open daily.