English
This summer, residents of Sarkandaugava and the surrounding area will have the opportunity to enjoy a rest on the newly created Sarkandaugava beach, arranged in a green park-like location by the river, just a few kilometres from the city centre.
The work which has been done this year is a big step towards the cherished idea of the residents' neighbourhood association to make full use of the public waterfront where Sarkandaugava River' dead stream branch and Sarkandaugava River meet. During the large-scale clean-up, in cooperation with the Freeport of Riga Authority, the territory was cleared of broken branches and bushes, ingrown stumps were removed, concrete structures degrading the urban environment were dismantled, household waste accumulated for years was collected and removed, the waterfront has been cleared of overgrown reeds, new sand has been brought and grass has been sown.
For the time being, only the land part of the territory will be available for recreation - it is not allowed to swim and walk on the water here - the household pollution accumulated in the riverbed over the years can be dangerous and cause injuries.
“This is a place with immense potential for the neighbourhood, still unknown to many people. It provides the only physical access to water in the area, so it is important to maintain and gradually develop the site so that it is comfortable and pleasant to spend time here, especially in summer. And here are such beautiful sunsets! In addition, the industrial environment does not spoil the panorama, it just adds its specific charm,” said Alija Turlaja, the founder of the Sarkandaugava Development Association and a deputy of the Riga City Council.
“We are a city-port and close neighbours to 10 neighbourhoods. Cooperation with people is an important aspect in which we see enormous potential and responsibility. We believe that together we can do a lot of good things that would promote the improvement of the living space and environment of the residents of the neighbourhoods surrounding the port,” said Ansis Zeltiņš, the Freeport of Riga CEO. He also emphasized that next year, with the support of the Freeport of Riga Authority, it is planned to clean a certain part of the water area at Sarkandaugava beach, making the waterfront safer and thus even more accessible to residents.
Given the potential popularity of the place and the influx of people, this year it has been decided to stick to the principle of non-waste generation – “WHAT YOU BRING, YOU SHALL TAKE AWAY.” Next year, continuing the beach improvement works, it is planned to ensure more independent waste management.
“We understand that it will be necessary to organize clean-ups here for a few more years, thus building residents’ awareness and putting this place on the mental map of Sarkandaugava,” added Alija Turlaja, noting that this place is marked as a potential stop for water transport ( a boat sailing along the Daugava) in the Riga city plans, but a pure revival of the beach could be possible only after the dead stream branch of the Sarkandaugava is rehabilitated.
Information for media
- liene.ozola [at] rop.lv, +371 670 308 53
- Freeport of Riga Authority
- 12 Kalpaka blvd, Riga, Latvia, LV-1010
