Park im. 1 Maja, Stawy Stefańskiego is a recreational facility
There is a pond with an area of 11.4 ha in the park, which is an extension of the Ner riverbed. The pond was once privately owned and part of the Ruda farm. There was a manor house nearby. After World War I, the pond was bought by a private entrepreneur, Stefański. As a result of exploitative management, most of the animals living here died out or left the area. Year by year, the pollution of the pond increased and it required thorough cleaning. This was later done by the occupiers.
After the end of World War II, Ruda Pabianicka found itself within the city limits of Łódź, and the park became the subject of interest of the city authorities. A few years after the war, it was decided to build a recreation center in Ruda Pabianicka. Part of the area on the western side was designated for the park. Roads were built, trees and shrubs were planted. In 1949, construction of a swimming pool began. The pond was deepened, and a sleigh hill was built from the excavated sand, while the stables from the former farm were transformed into changing rooms for guests spending time by the water. A second, smaller pond was also created, acting as a settling pond and stocked with fish. The work was completed in 1951. A bituminous surface was laid in the park alleys, restaurants and other buildings were renovated.
The pond overlaps the riverbed of the Ner, stretches for 2.5 km and is up to 165 m wide, with a depth of 1 m to 4 m.