Bastion Hill Children’s Playground in Riga: A Dialogue Between Nature, Heritage, and Contemporary Play
The renewed children’s playground situated in the heart of Riga, brings new life to one of the city’s most cherished green spaces. Nestled beside the serene city canal and beneath the mature trees of Bastion Hill, the playground quietly blends into a culturally and ecologically sensitive urban landscape – an area steeped in symbolism, adjacent to the Freedom Monument, the National Opera, and the city’s political and cultural core.
This modest yet meaningful intervention (total site area 438 m²) was designed with the intent to harmonize with its context rather than compete with it. The approach is minimal, natural, and thoughtful – shaped by the presence of heritage trees, the rhythms of the canal, and the flow of people through this central park. All play and landscape elements were carefully integrated to preserve the historic ambiance while introducing contemporary, inclusive play opportunities for children of different ages.
The playground provides a variety of activities across a compact space. A climbing structure serves older children, encouraging movement, coordination, and strength-building, while a soft-edged sand play area welcomes toddlers with open-ended, tactile exploration. These two zones are unified by soft surfacing (340 m² of rubber mulch) and framed by gentle topographical shifts that respond to the existing terrain and tree root systems. Seating for caregivers is naturally positioned within sightlines, allowing for supervision and social interaction.
A central challenge in the design process was the proximity of large, old-growth trees and their extensive root zones. Rather than removing or altering this vital greenery, the design worked with nature – minimizing excavation and choosing lightweight materials that allow the trees to breathe. Planting zones (37 m²) were introduced in gaps between equipment and pathways to increase permeability, reduce compaction, and provide visual contrast with darker-toned play elements. The plant palette brings seasonal softness, texture, and lightness to the space while contributing to urban biodiversity.
The playground reflects a deep commitment to environmental sensitivity and user experience. Waste sorting bins with educational pictograms were installed near the entrance to promote early ecological awareness and encourage good habits from a young age. Durable materials were selected to minimize maintenance needs and withstand Riga’s changing seasons. The layout ensures clear circulation, intuitive use, and a sense of calm, even during busy hours.
This playground is not defined by scale, but by its restraint. It models how small public interventions can elevate heritage landscapes through thoughtful design. By honoring nature, preserving history, and inviting playful interaction, Bastion Hill Children’s Playground becomes a quiet, modern addition to one of Riga’s most meaningful parks.
• Project typology: Playground, urban historical park, heritage-based recreational space
• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape: SIA “Fixman”
• Other credits:
Lead Landscape Architect: Ilze Janpavle
Landscape Architect: Dana Lūse
Construction Company: SIA “Fixman”
Construction Project Manager: Miks Kārkliņš
Architectural project manager: Jānis Atelbauers
Planting Contractor: SIA “Stādaudzētava Blīdene”
Client: Riga City Municipality, Housing and Environment Department
Main equipment producer: Lappset group
