Residents of the Šnipiškii district part of the wooden capital usually mention the three biggest problems of the district: unorganized roads and sidewalks, which lead to chaotic parking, outdoor toilets and plumbing problems, and a lack of playgrounds. According to the decision of the municipality, in the near future the priority here will not be given to improving the quality of life of the residents, but to the creation of a new recreational space. This is expected to improve the district's reputation and strengthen community ties.
Specialists recognize that the lack of quality recreation and active recreation infrastructure is a problem characteristic of the entire northern target area of the city of Vilnius. As a result, the attractiveness of the territory for living and creating business decreases, social exclusion increases, and public health disorders caused by low physical activity become more frequent. The need for recreational infrastructure is particularly relevant for the residents of the Šnipiškii district, which is characterized by an abundance of social and demographic problems. In Šnipiškės, a few hundred meters from modern skyscrapers, there are people whose toilet is in the yard, and whose water is in the street column. The territory of the Neris Senvagė valley in the Šnipiškii district is currently abandoned and not suitable for recreation.
After the implementation of the project initiated by the municipality "Establishment of the recreational infrastructure of Senvagė in Neries with active recreation and pedestrian and bicycle tracks", the Senvagė valley will be adapted for recreation and active recreation. In this way, it is expected to increase the attractiveness of the area for business development and the creation of new jobs, to reduce the social exclusion of local residents.
Until 2020, in the territory of Neris senvages valley. bicycle paths connecting will be built Ozo str. with Konstitucijos Ave., pedestrian paths have been installed (renovated), a recreation and active leisure zone has been installed around water bodies in Senvagė Park, stairs and wooden terraces on water bodies and a closed dog training area, small architectural elements, lighting, road markings, connection to engineering networks inlets, formed terrain and landscaped gardens. Are such changes sufficient for the residents, who are constantly experiencing uncertainty about the future of their district and life in it, which, in turn, programs a whole set of social problems, ultimately forming the basis for the stigmatization of the district and its residents, accusing them of negligence and disorganization?
The organizers of the project have no doubt that after the installation of the recreational infrastructure of the old town of Neris, there will be a space for recreation and leisure, communication between residents, which will strengthen social ties, create conditions for the development of community activities in the residential area, and increase residents' satisfaction with the living environment. The installation of recreational infrastructure will encourage additional visitor flows, while forming demand for surrounding businesses and encouraging their development and the creation of new jobs.
Speaking about the development prospects of Šnipiškii, Mr. architect Mindaugas Pakalnis has mentioned the right bank of the Neris as one of the main investment districts of the city. He believes that in the future, the block of wooden houses spreading to the north will become an exclusive area for wealthy people who have individual houses in the very center of the city. The architect does not agree that it should be artificially multiplied by creating a Las Vegas-type district, because the beauty of this part of the city is determined by contrasts.
More than 2,1 million was allocated for the implementation of the mentioned project. EUR, of which more than 1,9 million EUR - European Union (EU) funds.
The project is implemented in accordance with the measure of the 2014-2020 EU funds investment action program "Complex development of large cities" administered by the Ministry of the Interior. A total of almost 150,7 million has been allocated to finance this measure. EUR, of which almost 138,5 million EUR - funds from EU funds.
The project is planned to be completed on January 2020, 31.
Source: construction and architecture
