Sports complex for all

sports complex

for all

by Māra Liepa-Zemeša | mara.liepa@riga.lv

Planning documents of Riga say that it is necessary to provide public services close to inhabitants, ensuring network of suitable infrastructure giving possibilities for useful leisure time and sport activities.

According the growing interest of the population in participating in sports, and the desire of families to spend time together engaging in active recreation the Sustainable Development Strategy of Riga until 2030 sets that in residential areas public space must be suitable for sport activities for residents of all age groups, providing accessible sport fields and facilities covering different kind of urban sports and gymnastics. Priority for the city is to develop existing public domain for educational, cultural, recreational and health purposes. Riga City Municipality launched a new programme – creating publicly accessible sports and recreation complexes next to educational institutions.

Initially the sports fields were dominated by the provision of facilities for sports activities; however, by observing the demand and needs of the city’s residents, the idea of multi-functionality of the fields came through, as well as of the necessity to create such complexes, where the entire family can find suitable activities and actively do sports together – both the youngest family members together with their parents, as well as adolescents and seniors. In accordance with the new concept, in addition to equipment for street gymnastics, running tracks, football and multi-functional playgrounds, children’s playgrounds for different age groups were also designed in these complexes. The largest complexes, where one could engage in a variety of activities, became especially popular. tioned, which was established in 2016 in an environmentally degrading area in the historic centre of Riga, where a football field was once located. In four hectares, a football field, running tracks, several multi-functional fields, a bicycle park, a skatepark, beach volleyball court and a 0.7-hectare children’s playground were built.

For the whole family, for all generations

It should be noted that the amount of visitors to the area exceeded expectations. Visitors came to the complex from all parts of Riga, the surrounding cities and even neighbouring countries, and their density exceeded the capacity of the area. Therefore a decision was made to create a similar area in one of the neighbourhoods of Riga on the other side of the River Daugava. There were many large trees in this area, which could be integrated into the complex, and in addition to active recreation areas, a quiet area for mothers with babies, seniors and for small family picnics was created. Many positive comments were received about this area, from seniors in particular.

It should be emphasised that, when creating each complex, its identity was considered, therefore a different theme was created for each playground and individual details were taken into account.

Since 2013, four large (approximately four hectares each) and 13 medium-sized sports and recreation complexes have been built in Riga, which have significantly changed the public outdoor spaces and the habits of the city’s residents.