Riga allocates 483,276 euros to repair Esplanade paths

Riga will spend 483,276 euros to repair the most damaged pedestrian paths in Esplanade park, LSM reported, citing the Riga municipality.

The Riga City Council’s City Development Committee approved the funding on Monday from the city’s infrastructure fund. The repairs will cover paths between the Orthodox Cathedral and Kalpaka Boulevard, where the paving has deteriorated significantly.

Old tiles have crumbled and large potholes have formed in some sections, making it more difficult and dangerous for pedestrians to move through the park.

Construction is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to be completed by July 2027. The funding will cover construction documentation, a tree assessment and protection plan, and the construction work itself.

The project will replace 2,220 square metres of path paving with concrete blocks. It will also include removing and reinstalling 659 metres of granite edging, as well as removing, restoring and reinstalling seven park benches with granite bases.

Another 169 square metres of concrete block paving will be installed on part of the pavement along Brīvības Boulevard. Once the work is complete, the paths between Kalpaka Boulevard and the Orthodox Cathedral grounds will be restored, and access to the park from Brīvības Boulevard will be improved.

Riga’s Housing and Environment Department will carry out the construction. The municipality’s City Development Department has also announced an international design competition, open until October 15, for a modern and sustainable vision for developing Esplanade park while preserving its historical values.