Next year, the municipality plans to start work on at least 13 more public spaces.
“Basically, we started renovating green spaces all over Vilnius. We aim for quality public spaces for people to spend time together not only in the city center, but also in residential areas further away from the city. We hope that when spring comes and the squares become beautifully green, they will become the center of every district’s gathering and leisure, or at least they will please the eyes of those rushing by,” says Vilnius City Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.
Where the biggest changes in public spaces are taking place, local residents also contribute to the creation of projects – creative workshops or meetings organized by the municipality are held, during which they discuss how the spaces should look, what should appear in them.
Renovated Žemaitė square
During the summer and autumn, Žemaitė Square on Gediminas Avenue was renovated. The fences surrounding the construction site have already been removed. The surface of the square was changed, new benches were built, bushes and trees were pruned, and new greenery was planted – perennial herbaceous plants, bushes and shrubs. The children’s playground has been moved away from the street – to the depth of the square. The lighting will also be completed soon.
In Pilaite – Little Lithuania Square
In Pilaite, in the area between I.Simonaitytė and M.Jankaus streets, the installation of a 0.6 ha square is already being completed. According to the wishes of the residents, a lot of space for active activities has been designed in the square: there are basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, a mini football field. Next to the active leisure area, there are also quieter rest areas for cozy meetings, sitting in nature, and playing board games. A picnic area is equipped, paths are arranged, benches are built.
Photo by Saulius Žiura/Pilaitė public space
During the design of the square, it was planned to continue the perpetuation of Little Lithuania in Pilaite, so one of the highlights of the square is a small sand dune partially planted with trees, which creates a special atmosphere of sand dunes. It has already been poured and finished with landscaping. The territory is planted with shrubs and perennial herbaceous plants, trees – birches, pines. Lighting will be installed soon.
The people of Grigis united and planted together
The people of Grigis are eagerly waiting for the opening of the new space near the Church of the Holy Spirit. The public space is equipped with a community gathering square, a children’s playground, quiet rest areas, well-maintained walking paths, and benches.
The residents of Grigiški very enthusiastically contributed to the landscaping of the public space – during the taluk they planted more than a thousand bushes together.
Saulius Žiura’s photo/Grigiškių public space
There is a recreation area and a barefoot path in Pavilny
Residents of Pavilni also contributed to the creation of a more beautiful environment. They planted greenery in a new public space on the Black Road, near the shopping center, which was only completed this year. Pedestrian paths, a rest area with benches, a barefoot (reflexology) path have been laid out in the territory, and trash cans have been installed.
The pond in the area is partially fenced at the request of the residents. After the installation of lighting and planting of trees, the maintenance of the space will be completed. This is the first city-equipped public space in Pavilna.
Business also contributes
Two new public spaces were also installed in the capital, which were partially financed by business. One such space is a small square in Antakalny, between L. Sapiega and Kuosų streets on Kuosų street. The 23-acre territory was cleaned up by the company that implemented the multi-apartment residential house project on the adjacent plot. The space is equipped with a pedestrian path connecting Kuosų street on the upper terrace with L. Sapiega street on the lower terrace, as well as lighting, built benches, lounge chairs, chess tables, and the territory is planted with greenery.
A 22-acre area on Linkmenų street was repaired and abandoned for partial business funds. The territory has been equipped with paths, lighting, built benches, and planted new plants.
The residents of Naujamiestis will also have a new attractive place. A public space with children’s playgrounds, cozy recreation areas and a sports complex is being completed around the apartment buildings of Savanorių prospekt 22A. The project of this area was prepared with the private funds of the developers, and the installation is financed by the Vilnius City Municipality.
Existing squares and parks are being renovated
In addition to the construction of new spaces, already established squares and parks are also maintained. Viršuliškių public space (Viršuliškių st. 34) and sports training area in Viršuliškių st. are being renovated. 37, in Naujoja Vilnia – Deportees Square and its access, in Naujininkai – Telšiai Square (Telšiau St. 2) and the Christmas tree lighting place (Darius ir Girėno St. 11), in Žvėryne – Tbilisi Square, in Karoliniškės new flower beds were planted in Joensū Square, and the illuminated sculpture “Karelijas” cuckoo”.
In Lazdynai, it is planned to make the space between Erfurt and Architektų St. more suitable for residents’ recreation, and in Šeškinė, the central square near the market is planned to be renovated in the coming year.
Work will begin soon
As early as this year, maintenance works will be started on the 1.2 ha square in Naujininkai near Tukstantmetis and Darius and Girėnos streets. The territory will be equipped with a promenade, paths, quiet rest areas and an active leisure zone with sports facilities and community gardens that will be available to local residents. It is planned to start work on the public space in Viršuliškės near Juozo Rutkauska street before the end of the year.
Next year, public spaces will begin to be organized: in Naujamiestis – at Naugarduko street 47, in Naujininkai – between Pelesa and Liepkalnis streets, in Karoliniškės – public space at AJ Povilaitis street. and another public space at J. Maciulevičius St., in Verkiai – on Maumedių Street, in Žirmūnai – the space between apartment buildings on Žirmūnų St. 111 B and other public space in S. Žukausko st., Tarandė – public space between Bendorių and Raisteniškės streets.
In Verkii, even two parks are planned to be managed next year: Jomant and Jerusalem pond.
You can find installed and designed public spaces on the map.
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Ne. Additionally, plans are underway for improvements to the public spaces in other neighborhoods, ensuring that community engagement remains at the forefront of the design and renovation process.
All these developments highlight the commitment of local authorities to enhance the quality of life for residents by creating inviting public spaces for relaxation, recreation, and community activities. The collaboration with residents and businesses signifies a collective effort to foster a sense of community and pride in these shared environments. As these projects near completion, local residents are excitedly awaiting the unveiling of these new and improved spaces where they can gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors.