Valka to Upgrade Public Sports and Recreation Zone with Community Support

The Valka municipality has approved the results of the 2026 participatory budgeting competition. In a vote held in June, residents chose the project “A Place for Movement and Recreation”, which received 214 votes, surpassing seven other ideas. The project has a budget of €14,081.62, nearly all of this year's total competition funding of €14,366.77.

The project focuses on the area near Valka Jānis Cimze Gymnasium at Ausekļa Street 5, which already features an asphalt basketball court and a “BTA Velozinis” bike track. Currently, the site lacks lighting, has insufficient benches, no bike or scooter racks, and limited activity options. Planned improvements include installing one light pole, four solid wood benches, racks for 16 bicycles and 20 scooters, and one outdoor tennis table. The basketball court will be renovated, with line repainting, hoop structure updates, a new wooden backboard, and metal hoops.

Deputies confirmed the voting results at a joint committee meeting last Thursday. According to the Municipal Law, the project must be initiated within three months of the announcement and implemented within two years. The area is already actively used by students, preschoolers, youth, and families. The infrastructure upgrades will encourage even greater community engagement, making the environment safer and more multifunctional.