Lucavsala

Lucavsala

Location of Lucavsala (dark green) in Riga.

Location of Lucavsala (dark green) in Riga.
Geography
Location Daugava River
Coordinates 56°55′27″N 24°07′06″E / 56.92417°N 24.11833°E
Area 150 ha (370 acres)
Highest elevation 2 m (7 ft)
Country
Demographics
Population 98
Density 0.85 /km2 (2.2 /sq mi)
Ethnic groups Latvian
Additional information
Official website www.lucavsala.org

Lucavsala (variously Lucav Island, Lucava Sala, Lucavas Sala, Ostrov Lutsavas-sala, or Ostrov Lutsavsala) is an island in the Daugava River in Riga, Latvia. It has a population of 98.

Location and geography

Lucavsala is in the Zemgale Suburb of Riga and in the Salas neighborhood.[1] It is in the Daugava River, near Zaķusala Island, home of the Riga Radio and TV Tower. The Salu Bridge connects Lucavsala to the rest of Riga. Lucavsala features one street (Lucavsala street), thirteen private houses, and over six hundred small gardens. The gardens are often found in poor condition.[2] There are plans to build an ice hockey hall on Lucavsala.[3]

Other features of Lucavsala include a monument for Russian soldiers who died during the Great Northern War,[4] a swimming pool, and a wakepark.[5] Lucavsala is a popular swimming place, with a relaxation and sports centre, as well as a rowing centre named after Ivans Klementjevs.

History

Lucavsala was created in the 18th century by merging a lot of small islands into the long and narrow Jumpravsala. This occurred because of the building of a dam that was created to control the waters of Daugava. The dam also merged Vīberta island into the mainland and made Zvirgzdu island a peninsula, or half-island. In the former territory of the dam that merged many islands, Dienvidu bridge was built. The name "Lucavsala" comes from the name of a noble man named Klauss Lucavs, who lived on one of those islands.[3] His mansion was named "Lucavmuiža". Since 1904,[1] Lucavsala has been part of the Salas neighbourhood of Riga.

On 9 July 2014 the Riga City Council voted to sell 102.9 hectares (254 acres) of land on Lucavsala, citing the need to develop the island, which would cost more than the city government had resources to afford.[6] Protestors gathered to show their opposition to the move, claiming the council did not have the authority to sell the land.[7]

Demographics

Year Private gardens People
1960 200 130
2000 500 140
2010 600 98

Gallery

A small creek in Lucavsala.
A small creek in Lucavsala. 
Gulf formed by Daugava River.
Gulf formed by Daugava River. 
Relaxation and sports centre.
Relaxation and sports centre. 
Map of park at the north of Lucavsala.
Map of park at the north of Lucavsala. 

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Apkaimes.lv". Retrieved 2014-02-12.
  2. ↑ Bormanis, Uldis. Tava labākā grāmata par Rīgu. p. 103. ISBN 9789984100319.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Zaļā dzīvesstila žurnāls "Vides Vēstis"". Videsvestis.lv. Retrieved 2013-12-04.
  4. ↑ "Flowers laying at the memorial on Lucavsala Island". Retrieved 14 July 2014.
  5. ↑ "Lucavsala island". Live Riga. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
  6. ↑ "Riga City Council decides to sell 102.9 hectares on Lucavsala Island". The Baltic Course. 9 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
  7. ↑ "Riga City Council to decide on selling of Lucavsala". The Baltic Course. 8 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.

External links

Coordinates: 56°55′27″N 24°07′06″E / 56.92417°N 24.11833°E