Latviski
At the initiative of and in collaboration with local residents, the Freeport of Riga Authority has constructed sports fields and courts and landscaped recreational territories in the residential area of Kundziņsala and in Mangaļsala at the “Auda” yacht club.
Within the framework of landscaping work in the port`s territories, a mini football field, a beach volleyball court and a streetball court have been constructed, a footpath with concrete cobble pavement has been built, benches have been installed and dumpsters have been set up. Māris Jansons, member of the Board of the “Kundziņsala” residents` society, is satisfied with what has been accomplished and its collaboration with the Freeport of Riga Authority: “As soon as communication between the Freeport of Riga Authority and the residents of Kundziņsala improved, concrete collaboration developed as well. When implementing the sports fields and courts project, communication regarding what the field or court should be like was rapid and easy.”
Conversely, in Mangaļsala, in collaboration with the “Auda” yacht club, a beach volleyball court, a streetball court, as well as parking for motorised vehicles and trailers were constructed, benches were installed, and dumpsters were set up. “For Mangaļsala residents, the “Auda” yacht club is practically the only hub for social gatherings, recreation and entertainment. Our goal is not only to develop the yacht club into a well maintained place, but also into a place for healthy and active leisure for local young people. The sports fields and courts constructed together with the Freeport of Riga Authority fit in with our concept really well,” explains Oto Dzenis, manager of the “Auda” yacht club.
The implementation of such projects once again attests to the fact that it is possible to build good dialogue between the Freeport of Riga Authority and local residents of the port, as well as to collaborate constructively in order to improve the living conditions in the port’s territory. CEO of the Freeport of Riga Ansis Zeltiņš emphasises: “It is clear that the port’s core operations have been and remain industrial activity; for this reason, getting along with the residents of the neighbourhoods will always be complicated. However, the development plan for the port of Riga for the next ten years also specifies that the port must become a good neighbour to the residents of adjacent neighbourhoods. For this reason, we are always open to discussions in connection with residents` ideas and suggestions and, as much as possible, we also try to make a contribution to those who live in the vicinity of the port.”
