Today, Kaštela is no longer just a place to live - it is becoming a city where people stay, grow and age with dignity. A city that strategically and systematically invests in the youngest, but also takes special care of its oldest citizens. Development is taking place in a planned, responsible manner and with a clear goal: to ensure a quality life for all generations. Mayor Denis Ivanović commented on investments in education, infrastructure, sports, culture and new demographic and social measures.
How much is invested in children and young people, and in what way?
Over the past few years, there has been a strong investment in children and young people, as the foundation for the future. A quarter of the city budget is directed specifically towards preschool education and support for families. Kindergarten prices for parents have remained the same for a decade and will not increase, while preschool capacities have been significantly expanded – with the expansion of kindergartens in Kaštel Lukšić and Radun, the takeover of additional spaces such as the Ružmarin kindergarten, and the start of work on the largest kindergarten in Kaštela, with a capacity of 200 children.
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What measures have been taken in the field of education?
Schools provide free workbooks, co-financed extended stays, transportation, teaching assistants and scholarships for pupils and students. In parallel, the implementation of five capital school projects is being prepared – the expansion of the schools "Knez Mislav" and "Knez Trpimir", for which the relevant ministry's consent has already been obtained, and the school "Ostrog", for which the consent procedure is still ongoing. Also, the construction of new schools is planned in Kaštel Kambelovac, for which the ministry's consent has also been obtained, and in Rudine, where a conceptual design has been developed and the process of obtaining the necessary consents is currently underway. These investments are the basis for the introduction of all-day classes and a significant improvement in educational conditions.
New demographic measures were introduced at the beginning of this year, what are they?
Demographic measures are designed according to the real needs of families. Increased benefits for newborns have been introduced, which now range from 1.000 to 5.000 euros, depending on the number of children in the family. Support for paying rent for young families, food subsidies for the youngest, one-time assistance for children and young people, and support for school meals have been launched. The construction of apartments for young people and the socially vulnerable is also planned, with a model of preferential rent and the possibility of purchase.
You are also building new playgrounds and spaces for youth. What can citizens expect in the future?
Kaštela is also a city of play, sports and togetherness. Work on the children's playground and five-a-side football pitch in Resnik was recently completed, additional facilities were arranged in the Baletna park, and construction of the Milinkovo sports centre has begun in Kaštel Gomilica. The city currently has over 30 playgrounds and recreational areas. New pitches, a new sports hall in Kaštel Stari and energy renovation of the existing infrastructure are planned. All three Kaštela football clubs will receive pitches with artificial grass. Sports scholarships will also be available to young athletes.
How do you take care of your elderly fellow citizens?
Special attention is also paid to older citizens. Through the Zaželi program, gerontohomemakers provide support to more than 120 elderly and infirm people every day. Land has been secured for the construction of a home for the elderly in Rudine, right next to the MIR Center, which is another important step towards systematic and quality care for the elderly.
The cultural and social life in Kaštela is rich. What are the plans for further development of the cultural scene?
Culture is an important part of the city's identity. Events such as the Kaštela Cultural and Entertainment Summer, Advent, the Evening of Dalmatian Letters and the Legend of Miljenko and Dobrila gather an increasing number of visitors and confirm Kaštela's status as a cultural destination. Key buildings have been renovated – the Ballet School, the Abbey House, Villa Nika and the Cultural Centre – and work is underway on the St. Juraj Cinema, the revitalisation of the Rušinac complex and the renovation of the Cambi tower and summer house, which will also become a cultural oasis for all generations. All programmes of the Cultural Summer and Advent are free for citizens and visitors, because culture must be accessible to everyone.
What is the key message of your policy and city development?
Our vision of Kaštela is based on accessibility and care for people – from a child’s first step to safety and dignity in old age. We invest in education, housing, culture and social programs because we believe that every citizen deserves the opportunity for a quality life. Kaštela is growing, but it is not forgetting – neither its people nor its valuable heritage. This is the path we will continue to follow.
