Since 2019, an ambitious project has been underway in the Talsi city centre, which includes the improvement of the territory around the Vilkmuiža lake – “Development of an active recreation zone near the Vilkmuiža lake in the city of Talsi”. The project aims to improve and develop the existing environment based on detailed research of the area – the unique landscape of the lake, historical context and identified needs of Talsi residents in various age and activity groups. The project is developed by SIA “We Build Parks” in collaboration with SIA “Balta Istaba”, artist – sculptor Liene Mackus and landscape architect Indra Ozoliņa. The prospective development of Vilkmuiža lake is divided in three zones: an educational or green park zone, a historical and coastal recreation trail zone, and an active recreation and sports zone. The total area of the territory is 16.35 ha, since the project is very ambitious, it was divided into 16 phases, which are planned to be implemented according to the primary needs of the residents, and the first phase that was implemented were children’s playground.
In 2022 construction work was completed for the first phase of the project, which includes the construction of the first phase of the children’s playground. The project was developed by SIA “Balta Istaba”, architects Ilze Rukmane-Poča and Lindija Reinfelde-Miteniece in collaboration with sculptor Liene Mackus and landscape architect Indra Ozoliņa. The children’s playground is planned to have 3 construction phases covering all age groups. In the concept of the children’s playground, great emphasis was placed on the study of the surrounding environment, landscape and flora and fauna, and especially on the needs of the child, the development of children’s imagination and creative thinking, including also sculptural non-standard play equipment in the overall image of the playground. These principles are based on the insights gained in recent years and both practical and theoretical research conducted on outdoor spaces, where the child comes into contact with nature visually and physically, observes natural processes, and participates in them. Natural materials are also used in the play process – sand, water, plants and rocks. The compositional and conceptual solution of the playgrounds are based on the overall idea of the exploration and development of the Vilkmuiža territory. The playground concept is based on the contour or geographical form of three Talsi lakes – Talsi Lake, Vilkmuižas lake and Ābeļezers lake. These three shapes create a logical division between different age groups, also marking the themes for specific zones in the playground.
The first phase has been completed – the Talsi Lake area has been designed for the youngest age group of children. Here you can encounter local aquatic plants – water lily leaves, field horsetails, snails and some fossils. The leaf is a carousel with bronze veins, the field horsetails, that are made of Robinia woods are a climbing and labyrinth activity, while the snail and fossils, rendered in bronze, are a tactile, touch and crawling activity for the little ones. Also, an integral part are the waves created by wind on the water surface, which are reproduced by in the rubber surface, thus making movement around the field more dynamic, and the sandbox integrated in the surface. The playground design includes a total of 10 different play elements which are included in the common play area and are suitable for environmental accessibility. All landscaping elements are in coordinated rusty metal tones – bike racks, lanterns, trash cans, flowered borders, bench edges, and an information sign. The realized playground is designed in nuanced, muted tones so as not to compete with the colours in nature. The forms for the playground activities are designed so that the area resembles a sculpture park with elements of environmental object’s that children of different ages can use for play. When creating the elements in the playground, it was important to “leave room” for the child’s imagination and fantasy.
Therefore, this children’s playground is designed as an individually designed artistically themed recreation area, including classic play equipment and elements, but in a different artistic framework.
Great importance had been given to selection of plants that are perennial and represent the local flora and fauna, complementing the beautiful natural landscape and attracting bees and other pollinators. The selected plants bloom with white and bluish-violet or dark purple flowers, planted with different flowering periods, so that the magnificence lasts for a longer period and delights visitors.
The second phase (not yet realised) – Vilkuiža lake zone is intended for the age group of approximately 4-10 years with a climbing activity – a fish – a pike, in the tail of which there is on opportunity to shelter for the rain and explore the fish bone from the inside. Trampolines and the small stones – in a rubber representation, for balance and climbing activity are also embedded in the water surface.
The third phase (not yet realised) – Ābeļezers lake zone designed both as an environmental object in the form of huge branch and an activity for teenagers or adults who are already able to independently assess their strength. The tree branch is planned to integrate nets, ropes, as well as swings, so you can pull yourself up, climb, jump, stretch, or simply sit, swing and enjoy the scenery.
Since improvements to the landscaping have already begun in this area, the renovation of the playground is a continuation of the improvement of this urban environment, which also includes the creation of EPDM pavement appropriate for safety zones. Elastopave material is planned around the playground – a mixture of stone chips and a binder that allows rainwater to easily drain through the layers, reminiscent of a sandy beach by a lake, and does not create washouts, which is a very important in the existing terrain.
All other landscaping elements are designed in coordinated colours and materials – benches and tables, lighting lanterns, ground-level lighting, trash cans, bicycle racks, green bads and flower boxes with coordinated plant plantings.
There is even one music video has been made in this playground. You can see full playground area in this video from drone view.
• Project typology: Playground, city park, thematic-based recreational space
• All architecture offices involved in the design: SIA “Balta Istaba”
• Other credits:
Project developer – SIA “Balta Istaba”
Leading Architects – Ilze Rukmane-Poča and Lindija Reinfelde-Miteniece
Sculptor – Liene Mackus
Landscape Architect: Indra Ozoliņa
Recreation Area Safety Inspector: Miks Lukstiņš, Anna Šteinerte
Construction Company: SIA “Fixman”, SIA “BMB Projects”
Client: Talsi City Municipality
Main equipment producer: SIA “Fixman”
