The fence around Uzvaras Park has been removed. It's only left at a stretch along Bāriņu Street so that the freshly sown grass is not stomped on. Builders and gardeners have been working day and night here in recent days. Passers-by are looking from afar for now.
Rīga Vice-Mayor Edvards Ratnieks (National Alliance) said that the park had been closed for two years. Now it will have a fresh breath of air.
A total of 9 hectares of territory has been restored, 4,000 trees, plants and shrubs planted, 20 thousand flowers. The total area of park walkways is 9,000 square meters.
Nothing resembles the pool and monument that brought together the supporters of the Soviet regime for years on May 9. Two bridges and three tunnels also form an unusual terrain for Latvian parks.
"I hope this place will be visited 365 days a year. And it will be a pleasure to be here without any ideological elements," said Vladimirs Ozoliņš, director of Rīga City Council's property department.
The massive redevelopment of the park has cost EUR 8 million, of which 6 million are state loans, the rest – municipal budget.
The park's biggest pride is the scenic skatepark.
"It's not just the athletes in our country who will use this [skatepark]. There is also a community of this sport that drives all over Europe and shows off in parks like this. This is a great satisfaction, this concrete mega-structure,” said Māris Mežzīle, head of the Rīga City Council Building Authority.
In celebration of Lāčplēsis Day, a concert will be held on Saturday on Bāriņu Street outside Victory Park. After that, there will be a chance to walk through the new park.
