Kadaga BMX park
Basic information
Project Title
Kadaga BMX park
Full project title
Creation of a new BMX park in the village of Kadaga, Ādaži distrct
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
The beginning of the project was in 2016, when the organization "BMX Ādaži" received a plot of land from the local municipality for free use, where once there were wastewater treatment facilities. Several sports enthusiasts and supporters, wanting to realize their dreams and those of many children, gradually transformed this undeveloped piece of land into a place where local children and youth can come, play sports, and gather, but the local community can implement joint activities.
Geographical Scope
Regional
Project Region
Pierīga region, Latvia
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
EAFRD : European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
Description of the project
Summary
The construction of the Kadaga BMX park was carried out from 2016 to 2023.
The aim of the project was to create new sports opportunities for the children and young people of the Ādaži district, by creating a new BMX track within 7 years in the area of the former sewage treatment plant (on an area of 1.3684 ha), which would be freely accessible to BMX athletes, fans of extreme sports, where to organize BMX competitions and training, as well as to encourage the population to pay more attention to a healthy lifestyle and to spend their free time meaningfully.
The project implementer is the association Sports club "BMX Ādaži", in cooperation with supporters and cooperation partners
The creation of the BMX park was carried out by implementing the following activities, implemented within the framework of various sub-projects:
1. Cleanup of the plot of land, including clearing vegetation, bringing soil, filling depressions, leveling the territory, cutting tracks and obstacles (2017),
2. Creation of the terrain of the track, the start hill and bends, as well as the laying of the top layer of the track - within the framework of the EAFRD project "Building a BMX park in Ādažu district, Kadaga, first round" (2017-2019)
3. Construction of the start hill cover, installation of a barrier, and construction of a start shelter - within the framework of the EAFRD project "Creation of a BMX park in Ādažu district, Kadaga, second round" (2019-2020)
4. Land improvement, landscaping, incl:
4.1. installation of a fence and swing gates around the territory of the BMX park - (2017, 2018),
4.2. construction of a pump track cycle track (2021),
4.3. creation of a gymnastics complex (2022),
4.4. construction of a safe starting hill ramp (2023).
The aim of the project was to create new sports opportunities for the children and young people of the Ādaži district, by creating a new BMX track within 7 years in the area of the former sewage treatment plant (on an area of 1.3684 ha), which would be freely accessible to BMX athletes, fans of extreme sports, where to organize BMX competitions and training, as well as to encourage the population to pay more attention to a healthy lifestyle and to spend their free time meaningfully.
The project implementer is the association Sports club "BMX Ādaži", in cooperation with supporters and cooperation partners
The creation of the BMX park was carried out by implementing the following activities, implemented within the framework of various sub-projects:
1. Cleanup of the plot of land, including clearing vegetation, bringing soil, filling depressions, leveling the territory, cutting tracks and obstacles (2017),
2. Creation of the terrain of the track, the start hill and bends, as well as the laying of the top layer of the track - within the framework of the EAFRD project "Building a BMX park in Ādažu district, Kadaga, first round" (2017-2019)
3. Construction of the start hill cover, installation of a barrier, and construction of a start shelter - within the framework of the EAFRD project "Creation of a BMX park in Ādažu district, Kadaga, second round" (2019-2020)
4. Land improvement, landscaping, incl:
4.1. installation of a fence and swing gates around the territory of the BMX park - (2017, 2018),
4.2. construction of a pump track cycle track (2021),
4.3. creation of a gymnastics complex (2022),
4.4. construction of a safe starting hill ramp (2023).
Key objectives for sustainability
One of the sub-goals of the project was to transform the territory of the former sewage treatment plant on an area of 1.3684 ha, by installing a new BMX track. About 20 thousand tons of sand were brought to the area to fill the pits of the old treatment plant and build a basic track. The sand was mostly transported by the local government - from other objects in its district, where it was not needed (when building new buildings, roads, etc.).
As a result of the implementation of the project, the territory, which was once visited only by the technical employees of the utility company, became a popular, recognizable, and attractive place. The village of Kadaga has not established a community center, so the Kadaga BMX track has now become one of the places where local residents come to spend their free time.
Already while building the basic track and facing the desire of some vandals to disturb the creation of the track, the representatives of the association determined that it is necessary to build a fence around the park in order to reduce the possibility of vehicles driving onto the track. The homestead was built within two years, receiving funding for the purchase of necessary materials, and implementing projects within the framework of a competition organized by the municipality (the homestead was built by the representatives and supporters of the association themselves). The fact that the territory is filmed 24/7 by a camera located near the mobile communication tower in the territory creates even greater security than the security of the BMX park.
The sports facility was created with the aim of involving free of charge the children and young people of Ādaži and the surrounding region in sports activities in order to promote and popularize a healthy lifestyle.
As a result of the implementation of the project, the territory, which was once visited only by the technical employees of the utility company, became a popular, recognizable, and attractive place. The village of Kadaga has not established a community center, so the Kadaga BMX track has now become one of the places where local residents come to spend their free time.
Already while building the basic track and facing the desire of some vandals to disturb the creation of the track, the representatives of the association determined that it is necessary to build a fence around the park in order to reduce the possibility of vehicles driving onto the track. The homestead was built within two years, receiving funding for the purchase of necessary materials, and implementing projects within the framework of a competition organized by the municipality (the homestead was built by the representatives and supporters of the association themselves). The fact that the territory is filmed 24/7 by a camera located near the mobile communication tower in the territory creates even greater security than the security of the BMX park.
The sports facility was created with the aim of involving free of charge the children and young people of Ādaži and the surrounding region in sports activities in order to promote and popularize a healthy lifestyle.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
It should be taken into account that the territory where the BMX track is currently established and where international competitions are already organized, was an untidy plot of land 7 years ago, where nothing was improved after the removal of the wastewater treatment facilities. The plot of land allotted to the association was unkempt and gave the impression of a degraded property. The pump track, installed in 2021, blends harmoniously into the surrounding environment, winding beautifully between the large pine trees. The Start Hill ramp built in 2023 also provides the necessary safety and convenience function for visitors to the Start Hill and makes this place visually more attractive. As a result of the persistent and purposeful work of the representatives of the association and their supporters, the village of Kadaga in the Ādažu region has become a tidy, well-organized, and well-known place in the immediate vicinity, where people come not only to engage in sports activities themselves but also to watch others.
Construction companies were involved in the implementation of the larger activities mentioned in the project (creating the terrain of the track, laying the starting hill and turns, as well as the top layer of the track, and installing the starting barrier), while many other works for the improvement of the BMX park were carried out by the representatives of the association themselves, cyclists and their parents, as well as other supporters. Project participants were involved in setting up a fence, building an exercise complex, and setting up a pump track (laying sand and gravel, forming forms, tamping, cleaning the territory, and other works related to the creation of the track).
Construction companies were involved in the implementation of the larger activities mentioned in the project (creating the terrain of the track, laying the starting hill and turns, as well as the top layer of the track, and installing the starting barrier), while many other works for the improvement of the BMX park were carried out by the representatives of the association themselves, cyclists and their parents, as well as other supporters. Project participants were involved in setting up a fence, building an exercise complex, and setting up a pump track (laying sand and gravel, forming forms, tamping, cleaning the territory, and other works related to the creation of the track).
Key objectives for inclusion
BMX sport has existed in Latvia for more than thirty-five years. Success has come very slowly and with minimal support, although this is precisely the sport that has brought glory to the whole of Latvia.
The first significant success for Latvia was brought by Ivo Lakučs, who won the title of Junior World Champion in 1997. Since then, Latvia has been proud of several successes in the BMX sport. All European champions in the BMX elite class were Latvians. These athletes have brought several medals to Latvia. The pride of BMX sport is also two-time World Champion in BMX Elite class and Olympic champion Māris Štrombergs
In 2019, the president of the Latvian Olympic Committee, Aldons Vrubļevskis, said that the creation of a BMX track in Ādaži is an important event for Latvian sports and the Olympic movement: "It is important to use it for holding international and local BMX competitions. I think that the residents of Ādažu region will very soon appreciate the new track as a great addition to their recreational opportunities while doing sports and improving themselves in cycling."
But the most important thing is that parallel to the development of BMX as a sport, the BMX park created has contributed to the activation of the local community, the physical involvement of residents in the improvement of the village of Kadaga,
The newly created BMX park is offered to a wide audience - not only do cycling club pieces of training and competitions take place there, but it can also be used by anyone who has the appropriate bicycle and equipment. In addition, it is a place where not only the residents of the Ādažu region but also people from other regions participate in joint social activities (territory clean-up events, meetings, camps), thus popularizing the name of Ādažu region more widely in Latvia
To build the track and improve the territory, the association invested a lot of its time and enthusiasm, attracted various cooperation partners, and implemented several projects
The first significant success for Latvia was brought by Ivo Lakučs, who won the title of Junior World Champion in 1997. Since then, Latvia has been proud of several successes in the BMX sport. All European champions in the BMX elite class were Latvians. These athletes have brought several medals to Latvia. The pride of BMX sport is also two-time World Champion in BMX Elite class and Olympic champion Māris Štrombergs
In 2019, the president of the Latvian Olympic Committee, Aldons Vrubļevskis, said that the creation of a BMX track in Ādaži is an important event for Latvian sports and the Olympic movement: "It is important to use it for holding international and local BMX competitions. I think that the residents of Ādažu region will very soon appreciate the new track as a great addition to their recreational opportunities while doing sports and improving themselves in cycling."
But the most important thing is that parallel to the development of BMX as a sport, the BMX park created has contributed to the activation of the local community, the physical involvement of residents in the improvement of the village of Kadaga,
The newly created BMX park is offered to a wide audience - not only do cycling club pieces of training and competitions take place there, but it can also be used by anyone who has the appropriate bicycle and equipment. In addition, it is a place where not only the residents of the Ādažu region but also people from other regions participate in joint social activities (territory clean-up events, meetings, camps), thus popularizing the name of Ādažu region more widely in Latvia
To build the track and improve the territory, the association invested a lot of its time and enthusiasm, attracted various cooperation partners, and implemented several projects
Results in relation to category
As a result of the implementation of the project, a new BMX track has been created in the area of the former sewage treatment plant (1.3684 ha area), which is freely and at any time accessible to anyone who has the appropriate bicycle and equipment. It is designed in such a way that it can be used both for training and for competitions of various levels. The implementation of many project activities contributed to the activation of the local community and the implementation of joint projects. Jointly devised and self-implemented projects on the Kadaga BMX track have brought representatives of different generations and interest groups closer together. The number of BMX athletes in the county has increased, and a positive image has been created for the place where the treatment plant used to be.
The BMX track was built according to all standards, so that not only Latvian, but any international competitions could take place in the Ādažu region. This year, the competition of the Latvian Cycling Federation "10th Stage of the Latvian BMX Cup" was organized. On the other hand, in the summer of 2024, the Ādažu club has been entrusted with organizing the Latvian BMX Championship on this track. The Latvian Cycling Federation has nominated the BMX competition organized in Đadaži for the Event of the Year nomination. BMX Latvian Cup Ādaži stage – When organizing the competition of the Latvian Cup stage for the first time, BMX Ādaži gathered more than 400 athletes from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The competition won a lot of praise not only for the excellently prepared track but also for the additional activities. Also, all elements of the public outdoor space (pump track, exercise complex, etc.) are built in such a way that their use is comfortable, their service life is as long as possible and their users like it.
The BMX track was built according to all standards, so that not only Latvian, but any international competitions could take place in the Ādažu region. This year, the competition of the Latvian Cycling Federation "10th Stage of the Latvian BMX Cup" was organized. On the other hand, in the summer of 2024, the Ādažu club has been entrusted with organizing the Latvian BMX Championship on this track. The Latvian Cycling Federation has nominated the BMX competition organized in Đadaži for the Event of the Year nomination. BMX Latvian Cup Ādaži stage – When organizing the competition of the Latvian Cup stage for the first time, BMX Ādaži gathered more than 400 athletes from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The competition won a lot of praise not only for the excellently prepared track but also for the additional activities. Also, all elements of the public outdoor space (pump track, exercise complex, etc.) are built in such a way that their use is comfortable, their service life is as long as possible and their users like it.
How Citizens benefit
The progress of the project activities would not be possible without the help of the association's representatives and supporters - all the above-mentioned activities for the improvement of the territory (construction of a farm, construction of an exercise complex, installation of a pump track, construction of a safe start hill ramp) were carried out by the residents themselves and their own time (as part of the competition, received financial support only for the purchase of materials).
The BMX park in Kadaga is designed to be freely accessible, public, and easily accessible at any time.
The sports club wants to involve the children, young people, and their parents of the Ādažu region in active sports lessons aimed at health promotion, disease prevention, mass sports, and sports lessons that contribute to the growth of sportsmanship. In order to achieve this, the club plans to organize sports lessons - training, and competitions, participate in competitions of various levels, organize recreation and sports camps in Latvia and abroad, get involved in the work of various sports unions, as well as invite qualified trainers and educators to work and involve in the club.
As a result of the project, children and young people have the opportunity to spend their free time usefully, play sports, and achieve world-class results. On the other hand, parents of children and young people, as well as residents of the surrounding area, have the opportunity to further implement their plans for improving the common living environment in Kadaga. There is an organized environment where residents can stay regardless of the use of the BMX track.
The BMX park in Kadaga is designed to be freely accessible, public, and easily accessible at any time.
The sports club wants to involve the children, young people, and their parents of the Ādažu region in active sports lessons aimed at health promotion, disease prevention, mass sports, and sports lessons that contribute to the growth of sportsmanship. In order to achieve this, the club plans to organize sports lessons - training, and competitions, participate in competitions of various levels, organize recreation and sports camps in Latvia and abroad, get involved in the work of various sports unions, as well as invite qualified trainers and educators to work and involve in the club.
As a result of the project, children and young people have the opportunity to spend their free time usefully, play sports, and achieve world-class results. On the other hand, parents of children and young people, as well as residents of the surrounding area, have the opportunity to further implement their plans for improving the common living environment in Kadaga. There is an organized environment where residents can stay regardless of the use of the BMX track.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The implementers of the project have been able to convince the municipality, local entrepreneurs, and other institutions that a degraded area can be transformed into a sought-after, recognizable, and beautiful place where both athletes and local residents can come together. The implementation of activities was carried out using mostly local resources and enthusiasm.
The long-term goal of the sports club "BMX Ādaži" is to popularize the sport of cycling, involving as many children and young people from the Ādaži region and the surrounding area as possible in the BMX sport. In pursuit of this, the association has also promoted the activation of the local community, cooperation, and implementation of common ideas. The representatives and supporters of the association, applying to the competition organized by the municipality for the support of citizens' initiatives and receiving funding for the purchase of materials, with their work (without receiving compensation) have installed a fence around the territory of the BMX track, created a pump track, created an outdoor exercise area, and also built a safe starting hill ramp.
The long-term goal of the sports club "BMX Ādaži" is to popularize the sport of cycling, involving as many children and young people from the Ādaži region and the surrounding area as possible in the BMX sport. In pursuit of this, the association has also promoted the activation of the local community, cooperation, and implementation of common ideas. The representatives and supporters of the association, applying to the competition organized by the municipality for the support of citizens' initiatives and receiving funding for the purchase of materials, with their work (without receiving compensation) have installed a fence around the territory of the BMX track, created a pump track, created an outdoor exercise area, and also built a safe starting hill ramp.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Athletes, their parents, and nearby residents were involved in the implementation of the projects, thus promoting their participation in the implementation of the initiative. Considering that our environment also affects our quality of life, this is a place to meet other residents, and children to spend time safely and meaningfully in the fresh air. A healthy lifestyle is promoted, being more close to nature, and the cohesion between the residents of the surrounding houses is also increased because sometimes the neighbors do not even know each other. During the implementation of the project, every resident, regardless of age, nationality, previous knowledge, and place of residence, could "put a hand", thus improving the quality of life in the region.
As part of the project, representatives of several BMX sports associations and BMX track owners provided informative support so that the Kadaga BMX track was built as efficiently and sustainably as possible.
The construction companies who wanted to help with the creation of the BMX track did not withhold advice on how to better carry out various construction-related activities.
By jointly planning and implementing the many projects of the competition for citizens' initiatives organized by the municipality "Society with a Soul", the representatives of the society became smarter and more knowledgeable in relation to writing and implementing projects.
As part of the project, representatives of several BMX sports associations and BMX track owners provided informative support so that the Kadaga BMX track was built as efficiently and sustainably as possible.
The construction companies who wanted to help with the creation of the BMX track did not withhold advice on how to better carry out various construction-related activities.
By jointly planning and implementing the many projects of the competition for citizens' initiatives organized by the municipality "Society with a Soul", the representatives of the society became smarter and more knowledgeable in relation to writing and implementing projects.
Methodology used
The main thing that has contributed to the implementation of the project is the persistent and purposeful progress of the representatives of the association towards the set goal and the ability to convince both the local government and various supporters of the importance of the idea. By implementing many smaller projects, it was shown that the association can do a lot on its own, with little financial support. The desire to create a BMX park as a place for the local community to come together, thinking about the needs of various members of society and gradually developing the entire area, made others believe in the beautiful dream of a BMX park in Kadaga.
How stakeholders are engaged
Members and supporters of the association, who live both in the Ādažu district and in other territories of Latvia (mostly in the Pierīgas region) are mostly involved in the project's activities. Thinking about what is still needed to make working and staying in the territory of the BMX park more pleasant and safer, joint meetings discussed which project activities to carry out next and how each individual can be involved in their implementation. Representatives from the rest of Latvia and other countries come to the Kadaga BMX track mainly to train and attend a sports event.
At the beginning of the project, specialists in the relevant field and representatives of other BMX tracks (in Tukums, Mārupe, Rīga) got involved with advice and proposals related to the planning of the track.
As already mentioned, a lot of help in the construction of the track is provided by the local government, which brought ~20,000 tons of sand to the territory from its other facilities. Invaluable help, voluntary work in various earth digging, leveling, tamping, etc. works were received from local companies and soldiers of the mechanized infantry brigade of the National Armed Forces Land Forces (it should be mentioned that the largest military training ground in the Baltics is located in the Ādažu district, Kadaga). The physical and financial contribution of all supporters and helpers made it possible to implement the project faster and with less financial resources of the association.
The activities carried out by the association are highly appreciated both by the society and the municipality - in 2017, the founder of the association, Armand Možeiko, was presented with a letter of thanks for his contribution to the sports development of the Ādažu district.
In 2016, there were 14 children and young people from the Ādaži district in the sports club "BMX Ādaži", when they had to go to other BMX tracks several tens of kilometers away for training. Now there are 109 participants.
At the beginning of the project, specialists in the relevant field and representatives of other BMX tracks (in Tukums, Mārupe, Rīga) got involved with advice and proposals related to the planning of the track.
As already mentioned, a lot of help in the construction of the track is provided by the local government, which brought ~20,000 tons of sand to the territory from its other facilities. Invaluable help, voluntary work in various earth digging, leveling, tamping, etc. works were received from local companies and soldiers of the mechanized infantry brigade of the National Armed Forces Land Forces (it should be mentioned that the largest military training ground in the Baltics is located in the Ādažu district, Kadaga). The physical and financial contribution of all supporters and helpers made it possible to implement the project faster and with less financial resources of the association.
The activities carried out by the association are highly appreciated both by the society and the municipality - in 2017, the founder of the association, Armand Možeiko, was presented with a letter of thanks for his contribution to the sports development of the Ādažu district.
In 2016, there were 14 children and young people from the Ādaži district in the sports club "BMX Ādaži", when they had to go to other BMX tracks several tens of kilometers away for training. Now there are 109 participants.
Global challenges
The most important problems that the project helps to solve are:
1) promoting a healthy lifestyle in society,
2) Promotion of the BMX sport,
3) activation of local communities,
4) transformation of degraded areas into a gathering place popular with the community.
1) promoting a healthy lifestyle in society,
2) Promotion of the BMX sport,
3) activation of local communities,
4) transformation of degraded areas into a gathering place popular with the community.
Learning transferred to other parties
The representatives of the association are ready to share their experience and information on how, with limited resources, a new BMX track can be built from a degraded area in a relatively short period of time. Those interested who would like to build BMX tracks in their territories can come in person and see how everything has turned out, and what technologies have been used in each of the implemented stages of the project. And, of course, the BMX track is open to all cyclists.
Keywords
development of sports infrastructure
cooperation between different generations
transformation of the degraded area
efficient use of resources
persistence
