Photo: Ragnar Vutt.
The next step in the development of the common urban space of Valga and Valka will be developing the areas surrounding the newly built City Center – the Pedeli/Pedele River recreation area on both sides of the Ramsi bridge and the Konnaoja/Varžupīte area from Sõpruse/Raiņa Street to Sepa/Semināra Street.
Attractive and high-quality public space creates new opportunities for leisure and sports for both Valga and Valka residents and visitors of the twin city. For people living in border areas, tidying up and modernizing urban space is also emotionally important – it strengthens the sense of place and pride in their hometown and creates the hope that life on the outskirt areas is not completely fading.
On the Valgas’ side, the biggest work is related to the cleaning of two Pedeli river dam lakes out of four, because the poor environmental condition of the dam lakes has long been a concern for both municipality officials and citizens. Dam lakes will be cleaned of excess vegetation and sediments accumulated over time.
In addition, investments will be made in the urban space surrounding the dam lakes – street lighting will be installed in places that have been dark so far, recreation areas and playgrounds will be tidied up and new leisure opportunities will be created. Coziness to the area is added with the help of landscaping and fresh urban furniture.
On the Valkas’ side, the surroundings of Putraskalns will be tidied up and new light traffic roads will be built instead of the old, depreciated footpaths. Fresh landscaping and a fountain will provide beauty and attractiveness. In addition, the area around the former borderpoint building on Semināra Street will be developed and a footpath will be built on the shores of Konnaoja/Varžupīte, connecting Semināra Street with Raiņa Street and the completed central square. As a joint effort of the two local governments, the bridge on Semināra/Sepa Street will be repaired and the border stream from Semināra Street to Raiņa Street will be cleaned.
This project is the next step to achieve the strategic goal of Valga and Valka to bring the life of the twin city back to the historical heart of the city and its surroundings.
The total cost of the project “Renovation of the Valga-Valka Twin Town Recreation Area” is 926,137.34 euros, of which the support of the Estonian-Latvian Cooperation programme is 787,216.73 euros. The municipalities of Valga and Valka each contribute about 70,000 euros.
This article reflects the views of the author. The managing authority of the programme is not liable for how this information may be used.
