20.10.2026. Activity
An Interactive Willow Park Has Been Created on the Left Bank of the Bērze River on Krasta Street in Dobele
The project “Integrated system for interactive public garden development bin Baltic Sea Region” (INTERACTIVE GARDENS #C036) is nearing completion. An interactive Willow Park has been created for local residents and visitors, promoting the health and well-being of people of all ages while serving an educational purpose by introducing visitors to various willow species.
The park will become not only a place for individual walks but also a gathering place for the local community, offering opportunities to host themed events in the outdoor classroom with a fire pit, play with children and four-legged friends, and enjoy outdoor physical activities on the green open spaces.
To improve accessibility, a parking area and concrete steps with landscaped greenery have been constructed. A system for collecting rainwater and floodwater has been installed, and a network of walking paths and lighting has been created, making the park accessible even after dark.
The park features several attractive and functional landscape elements, including an outdoor classroom with a fire pit and log seating; three metal gazebos situated right on the riverbank, which will gradually become covered with climbing willow branches; and three umbrella-shaped gazebos with log seating. A landscaped “dry stream” has also been created, with various plants growing along its banks to filter rainwater before it flows into the river. Over time, the arches spanning the walking paths will also become covered with woven willow branches.
Dog owners will be able to let their pets roam freely in a fenced area enclosed by a traditional woven wattle fence, modelled on the design described in Latvian Wooden Buildings and Household Items by August Bielenstein, a long-serving pastor of the German congregation in Dobele, linguist and ethnographer.
The park features a collection of eight willow species, which can also be found in other landscaped areas throughout the park. Several wooden environmental art installations have been created on the slope. The children's play area includes play elements made from natural timber.
A viewing platform has been created at the upper end of the park, offering panoramic views of the entire park.
Overall, Dobele's Interactive Willow Park has become part of the network of publicly accessible interactive gardens and parks in the Baltic Sea Region, fulfilling one of the project's key objectives.
The park has been marked on the map on the website showcasing the public gardens established through the project. It will be promoted across the participating countries in the project area and on visitdobele.lv.
