Rola doliny Wisłoka w Rzeszowie w opinii mieszkańców miasta

River valleys in large cities are not only precious environmental elements in their area, but they can also be an aim of a higher pressure on acquiring new areas for the settlement. In turn, the intensive settlement nearby a river can worsen the visual attractiveness of the river's vicinity and lead to such disadvantageous environmental effects as intersection of plants' and animals' migration channels, worsening of town's aeration and occasionally even an increased flood wave in a river bed narrowed by man. On the other hand,the main role of rivers and their banks in towns is often a recreational one. That is why it seems that not only local authorities and planners, but also the rest of the citizens, should influence the spatial management of river valleys. This assumption was a base for an introductory research on Rzeszów citizens' opinion on the Wisłok valley, which was conducted in March this year. 132 people living, working or studying in Rzeszów were surveyed. Over 40% knew the Wisłok valley well, because they go to the river bank several times a month. More than 80% of the questioned people especially liked the parks, alleys and natural green areas. In turn, they had a negative opinion on the increase in built-in areas at riverbanks. The results show that in Rzeszów citizens' opinion recreational, sporting and environmental functions of the Wisłok neighborhood are most acceptable. All this leads to a question if the Rzeszów society should take a greater part in the spatial planning process regarding the immediate vicinity of the Wisłok. It seems that the river flowing through the city needs some promotion so that its real value could be perceived.