Dauderi Park was formerly known as Aldara Park. Originally, at the end of the 19th century, it was the garden of a brewery owner's mansion with a pond and artificial castle ruins. In the 1930s, Dauderi Palace and Park served as the summer residence of President Kārlis Ulmanis. For many years the park was degraded. The reconstruction and landscaping was carried out in several phases. Playgrounds for playing, skating, and gymnastics were gradually built. The old ball shelter was transformed into a stage and amphitheater. Paths were rebuilt. Stairs were built to reach the artificial ruins from the amphitheater.
The most work and resources have been invested in the restoration of the artificial ruins or tower. It is a protected cultural monument of local importance.
Kristina Briķe, landscape architect of the Dauderi Park restoration project, said: "In 1903, the artificial castle ruins were an aesthetic finishing touch to the water tower, which was fashionable, very characteristic of historicist or romantic parks. In the 1970s, climbers began to use it as a climbing tower."
The stone walls have been restored so that the tower can once again be used safely for mountaineering training, and a viewing platform has been built at the top of the tower.
Everyone who attended the opening celebrations on Tuesday was able to see the tower and the park and the surrounding area from above. However, the tower will remain closed for some time.
Dagnis Samausks, Head of the Project Management Office of the Riga City Council's Urban Development Department, said: "There is still an exhibition of the history of Latvian mountaineering to be built inside. Once that is built, this whole part will be open."
The historic tree planting has also been preserved. Many of the historic trees in Dauderi Park have been growing since 1903. In the future, if funding is available, a fountain could be installed in the park.
The reconstruction of the park cost the Riga City Council more than €3.5 million excluding value-added tax, including a €1 million state loan.
