The Mladen Stojanović Park is the largest and most famous city park in Banja Luka, located between Dr Mladen Stojanović, Olimpijskih pojednika and Bulevar srpske vojske. The park covers an area of 10 hectares and is rich in vegetation. Although today it is named after Mladen Stojanović, the park actually dates back to the time of Austro-Hungarian rule, from the beginning of the 20th century.
The park was named after Dr. Mladen Stojanović, a doctor and national hero from World War II. His parents came from Orthodox priestly families and had eight children. Mladen completed his medical studies in Vienna, and upon his return to Prijedor in 1930, he treated the poor for free, often giving them money for their trip home. During World War II, he led the Kozar Partisans, but died in 1942 under tragic circumstances, so the park bears his name as a kind of memorial. In memory of him, the park also features his bust, as well as monuments to other national heroes.
The park's more significant development in the modern sense began in the 1970s. Between 1974 and 1982, walking trails and four tennis courts were built. By 1986, the park had a total of 12 tennis courts, making it a favorite spot for athletes and recreationalists in the city. After that, it went through many years without major interventions, with the exception of the construction of concrete tennis courts and the reconstruction of public lighting in 2014.
In October 2016, volunteers built a public fountain in the park. A year later, in September 2017, the neglected fountain, which had not been in use for three decades, was put back into operation. Later, a replica of the famous fountain from the Petar Kočić Park was built in the park, which was demolished in the original park at the end of 2004, and which the people of Banja Luka have wanted to see restored for years because it was once an integral part of the famous postcards of the old city.
The most significant and largest intervention in the park was carried out during the winter and spring of 2023. At that time, the main walking path was reconstructed, and the largest children's playground in the Republika Srpska was built. In addition, the tennis courts were reconstructed, a parking area was arranged, and a multifunctional hall intended for the needs of the ATP tournament was built.
Today, the park "lives to the fullest" throughout the year. Concerts and various cultural events are regularly held there. It is a gathering place for both professional athletes and recreational athletes of all generations. Children's facilities attract many of the youngest people of Banja Luka and their parents every day.
The park is especially famous for the tennis courts of the TK "Mladost" club. The international ATP Challenger tournament "Banja Luka Open" is held here every year, bringing professional players and fans from all over the world to the city. In addition to tennis, the park also offers courts for table tennis, basketball, five-a-side football, and bocce. In addition to sports facilities, the park also has well-maintained walking and jogging trails, as well as lawns suitable for relaxing.
For all of the above, Mladen Stojanović Park is rightly considered the central green oasis of Banja Luka and one of the favorite places for rest, socializing, and recreation for citizens of all generations.
