Soundscapes of Health Resorts in Poland and their Revitalization

The objective of the studies was to recognise the need for and possibilities of preserving and revitalizing the soundscapes of health resorts in Poland. The research process included an analysis of the legal environment determining the functioning of Polish health resorts. Noise hazards and values of soundscapes were identified and acoustic revitalization measures were proposed for the selected health resorts. A review of scientific literature was performed and health resort surveys and audit reports were conducted. The next stage was focussed on the questionnaire sent out to the local governments of health resort districts and towns in Poland. The discussion referred, inter alia, to the recommendations of the team of experts in the field of changes within the spa treatment system in Poland. The conducted studies demonstrated that most health resorts in Poland have some soundscape values. However, these values may be lost because of the threat of noise from transport and tourism. Health resorts in Poland thus need revitalization measures aimed at achieving a high quality of soundscape.