Latvia: ‘Sporta Pils Darzi’: the story of developing a community garden from nothing
In Riga, Latvia, the local community took the initiative to convert a brownfield site into a community garden, aiding the recreation and gardening needs of the neighbourhood.
By Sunena V Maju
Stir World
Sep 27, 2022
Excerpt:
With 150 garden spaces located at the street level, the demand for plots in the Gardens of Sporta Pils now exceeds the needs of the public. The mobile gardening boxes are of different sizes and heights so that they are easily accessible for everyone including people with disabilities, children and seniors. In the central part of the site are wildflower meadows and recreational zones or picnics, events and community activities. Along with the garden and gathering spaces, the public space design also aids in the exchange of culture and art. Darja Me??ikova’s artwork Palette Kiosks and an installation by Amanda Ziemele adorn the green backdrop of Sporta Pils Darzi.
In the spring of 2021, the territory was opened to the public, both to our first gardeners as well as guests. Along with voicing the need for public spaces in urban areas, the project also brings forward the potential of community intervention in reviving abandoned plots. Within the landscape design by Ilze Ruksane, one witnessed the coming together of community gardens and urban public spaces. “The main focus and point of reference when working on the project has always been the human, which is one of the most important elements of any landscape. Gardens are made by and for the human to provide a space, where anyone feels loved and cared for,” shares Ruksane.
