Krāslava makes historic castle park safer and brighter

Work at the Plater Counts’ castle complex park in Krāslava has improved visitor safety and added a new illuminated fountain, LSM reports. This summer, workers restored and reinforced the historic grotto wall, which had been at risk of collapse after heavy rain last year and was temporarily fenced off.

A floating fountain with dynamic water jets and LED lighting was installed in the park pond. Five benches were placed around the pond, and the fountain is lit at night, said Ināra Dzalbe, head of the Krāslava Municipality Council’s Development Department.

In autumn, the park’s most valuable trees, including three monumental trees and one potential monumental tree, were assessed and maintained. The park has about 70 species of trees and shrubs.

Arborist Marks Badalāns from Daugavpils said work included installing a dynamic support system on one tree, reducing the crowns of others and removing dry or dangerous branches. Some branches had hung over a path, which is now safe to use.

The 18th-century castle complex is a state-protected cultural monument and includes a landscape park of about 22 hectares.