The Neris Valley
The Neris ‘Senvagė’ (Old Riverbed) Park is a modern, formerly abandoned part of Šnipiškės, which has preserved its old geological origins in a heavily urbanised area. History takes us back ten thousand years, when the old Neris River flowed in the place of the present small Oxbow lakes. Knowing where the river flows through today, the change in the new riverbed seems incredible. The transformation of a derelict relic of a Soviet city into a pleasant recreational area seems as improbable as an ugly duckling blossoming into a beautiful swan.
The interesting origin of the small lakes is evidenced by the chain of water bodies starting in Ozas Park, stretching along Linkmenų Street and ending in Žvėrynas near Boris Nemcov Square. The space of the park is shaped by strictly sculpted landforms. The shores of the small lakes in ‘Senvagė’ Valley are today used for recreation. There are stairs and wooden terraces on the water. While spending time so close to the lakes, it is nice to enjoy the pleasant panoramic views.
The park and its recreational infrastructure are intended for the inhabitants of the residential area that is being built nearby. It is a cosy place for leisure activities as soon as you leave home. There is a children’s playground, a multi-purpose sports area with outdoor fitness equipment, a pétanque court, a dog-training area, as well as quiet and green recreational spaces. The use of wood, masonry, and stone in the design of stairs, benches, embankments and other small architecture has proved its worth, as the materials have blended seamlessly into the surroundings and created a natural feel. The park’s coherent space is naturally broken up by the water bodies and the slopes of the shoreline, providing a wide range of cosy, private spaces for relaxation. The park is a pertinent example of how green spaces should be created in a crowded city.
The area retains mature and maturing trees such as poplars, willows, birches, maples, and alders. Ornamental trees and shrubs are abundant. A natural ecosystem of rushes, water lilies and other aquatic plants grows along the shores and in the water.
The valley can be reached by bicycle from Linkmenų and Ozo streets. In the park, cycle paths and pedestrian pavements are separated by a grassy strip in order to distribute traffic flows and ensure safety. This cycle path joins the overall cycle path system. Due to the low gradient, many of them are wheelchair and pushchair friendly. The park has lighting and video cameras.