Mezaparks - Riga
Mezaparks is one of the most beautiful, greenest, and also one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Riga, as well as a popular recreation area. Leila and I decided to not travel out of Riga and instead explore the neighbourhoods. This side of the city is like the expensive residential area. Line with beautiful mansions all guarded by CCTV cameras and and luxury cars, you feel like walking through a part of Hollywood.
It was a rather cold day but somehow the sun decided to bless us with her presence. Everyone kept their social distance so we could walk around freely. Things to do:
Kaiserwald (Keninu mezs) After the Swedish king set up a military camp here in the 17th century, the area became known as Keninu mezs (the Forest of Kings). Later on, the name transformed into Kaiserwald (German for the King’s Forest).
The neighbourhood acquired its present name (Forest Park in Latvian) only in 1923.
Residents of Kaiserwald (Keninu mezs) The earliest records of residents living in the area go back to the 14th century, when there were a number of small manors, farms and fishermen’s homes in the neighbourhood, who also sold their produce in Riga. The environs of Lake Kisezers, on the other hand, were a popular place with Riga residents in the summer. The area was populated by farmers until halfway through the 19th century, when construction of summer houses began there, continuing into the 20th century. Several hundred villas were built in Mezaparks during that time.
Recreation Park
The major cultural and recreational park Mezaparks opened in 1949. One of the few remaining forested areas in Riga became integral part of the park and gave it its identity. Enjoy culture!
The Grand Stage of the Song Festival is located in Mezaparks, hosting one of the most important events in the cultural life of Latvia once every four years – the Song Festival.
The Grand Stage is also a popular venue for concerts by local and foreign artists.
Mezaparks Green Theatre hosts concerts and theatrical performances.
The meadow at the Song Festival Stage is a popular place for large-scale public events, for instance, Easter celebrations, events opening the summer season, Healthy Lifestyle Day, Forest Day activities, and others.
See 3D pavement art. When looked at from a certain angle, the drawings seem spatial and “alive”.
Outdoor recreation
Enjoy a longer or shorter walk in the park
Go rollerblading along the park’s asphalted trails
Take a bicycle ride through the cycling lanes of the park or jump on a mountain bike to ride a forest path
Get your adrenaline fix at the BMX track
Take your children to one of the playgrounds, suited for children of different ages
See how good you are at disc golf and mini golf, challenge your friends or family members to a competition
Overcome obstacles and experience unforgettable emotions at the Mezakakis adventure park, taking one out of several routes of varying difficulty
Try stand-up paddleboarding
Get into shape at one of the outdoor gyms, running or Nordic walking in the forest and paths of the park
Everything you need for outdoor recreation is available for rent in the park.
Recreation in nature
Have a picnic at one of the picnicking areas on the shores of Lake Kisezers
Sunbathe on Mezaparks Beach, have a dinner at the beach café, and go for a swim in Lake Kisezers
Visit Newlywed’s Hill – the Rhododendron Garden
Go angling at Lake Kisezers
Riga Zoo (unfortunately it's closed now) Situated next to the recreation park at Lake Kisezers, there is one of the most popular recreation places with city dwellers – the Riga Zoo, a true friend of nature with traditions spanning several centuries, which offers modern-day opportunities for exploring nature all year round, all the while enjoying the experience. The zoo presents captivating insight into the diversity of living nature, and features exciting guided tours.