With the growing popularity of outdoor swimming during winter, Riga City Council continues to improve the infrastructure at several bathing sites in the capital to improve the comfort of residents after the official bathing season ends.
This year, various beach elements located in bathing areas in Riga will be removed later than in previous years; however, changing cabins and benches will be available throughout the winter period in bathing and recreation areas in Lucavsala, Ķīpsala, Rumbula, Bābelītis, Velnezers, Bolderāja quarry, Dārziņi, and Zirņu sala (Pea Island). As regards coastal bathing sites, a fixed changing cabin will be maintained in winter at the entrance to the Vecāķi bathing site from Selgas Street.
Special attention is paid to the well-being of winter swimmers at the bathing site of Lucavsala bay, providing lighting during the dark hours of the day, and when the ski season starts, a special container will be placed at the Lucavsala ski slope where swimmers will be able to change clothes.
“I’m all for an active lifestyle, including winter swimming. I know very well how important lighting is for winter swimmers. Early mornings and evenings are not only cold, but also dark. By providing lighting at the Lucavsala bathing site, Riga City Council is creating a safe and comfortable environment for people taking up winter swimming. In addition, it should be noted that Lucavsala Park also has a sports recreation area, a dog walking area, and children’s playgrounds where the residents of Riga are welcome,” says Ieva Brante, Deputy Chairperson of Riga City Council Social Affairs Committee.
In preparation for the new official bathing season, which runs from 15 May to 15 September, Riga City Council Housing and Environment Department plans to renovate the gravel surface of the access road and parking lot of the bathing site “Rumbula” and to make some improvements in the bathing sites of Vakarbuļļi and Ķīpsala to ensure environmental accessibility by creating new walking paths, benches, and sun loungers. It also plans to renovate the Lucavsala rescue station and the outdoor shower building at Vakarbuļļi beach.
Information prepared by: Mārtiņš Vilemsons, Project Coordinator at External Communication Division of Riga City Council Communication Department, e-mail: martins.vilemsons@riga.lv