Mežaparks (in German known also as Kaiserwald) is a neighbourhood in North Central Riga, Latvia. The name is literally translated as 'forest park'. The park was built in the early 20th century and was originally called Kaiserwald. It was one of the world's first garden cities.[1] During the Second World War, a concentration camp was located in this park, and many Jews, Gypsies, communists, and other opponents of Nazi rule were murdered in these woods.
One of the wealthier areas of Riga, the park hosts the Latvian Song and Dance Festival[1] in late July every 4 years, most recently in 2008.
Mežaparks is also host to the Riga Zoo and its lakeside locale allows for various water sporting activities. There is also an amusement park in Mežaparks, which makes the neighborhood a popular summer destination for Riga residents.
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