Demand for public beaches grows as municipalities seek solutions

As warm weather increases demand for active recreation, municipalities in southern Lithuania are searching for funding to renovate and expand public beach infrastructure, according to a report by LRT.

Residents and visitors emphasize the importance of clean water, free from pollution and debris. “It’s important that the water is clean, not contaminated with pollen or other waste. Many people swim here,” said local residents.

In the Druskininkai area, some beaches, like Ilgio Lake, are popular with travelers, while locals prefer others with better infrastructure, including playgrounds and sports facilities. This year, a new bridge was built at one such site. “We replenish the sand every two years as needed, and we repair or replace small architectural elements like infrastructure when they wear out to ensure safety,” said Alvydas Varanis, senior official of Viečiūnai.

However, public beaches remain in short supply. Near Avirys Lake, most shorelines are privately owned, though some landowners currently allow public access. To address this, Druskininkai municipality plans to purchase a plot near a swimming area to develop a new beach. “The land there is several dozen hectares, with a significant portion along the shore. The listed price is around €160,000. Negotiations and property evaluations will certainly take place,” said Druskininkai Mayor Ričardas Malinauskas. Plans include installing recreational and sports facilities, sunbeds, and changing cabins. The Alkos reservoir will also be renovated, with dredging and the creation of walking paths, in collaboration with foreign partners.

In Lazdijai district, home to 159 lakes, there are only 10 public beaches. Authorities plan to spend several million euros by next summer to renovate existing beaches and build new ones. “We are starting renovation work at Baltoji Lake and designing beaches at Meteliai, near our Dzūkija sea. Soon, we will have four more renovated beaches,” said Eglė Kubilienė, head of the Lazdijai Municipality Investment Department.

Kalvarija, which has only one public beach at Orija Lake, plans to renovate it and build another on the opposite shore at a cost of nearly €1.5 million. Improvements will include road repairs, expanded parking and camping areas, and a bridge for people with disabilities to access the water.

Molėtai and Zarasai municipalities have the highest number of public beaches in the region.