Revival of a part of Šilutė historical park

By project InterRevita

Published on 28 February 2025

Lithuania

Vidurio ir vakarų Lietuvos regionas

Šilutė

About this good practice

Project addressed the lack of functional sports infrastructure in Šilutė, as the city’s worn-out stadium was deemed unsafe and unfit for football matches by the Lithuanian Football Federation. Concerned about the limited opportunities for sports and recreation, the district government sought financial support to renovate the stadium and its surrounding park, improving accessibility, safety, and promoting a healthier, more active community.
The practise achieved its objectives by renovating the City stadium and surrounding infrastructure through targeted investments:
1.Upgrading the worn-out infrastructure by installing artificial grass, improving the athletics sector (ball pushing, discus and javelin throwing, long/high jump), reconstructing the treadmill, and building a new spectator tribune that meets safety requirements.
2.Reconstructing existing and creating new bicycle-pedestrian paths with lighting and small architectural elements, improving access roads, and reconstructing bridges and a culvert to the Senvagė island of the Šyša River.
3.Installing a dog walking area, wellness tracks with fitness zones, an outdoor tennis court, a universal sports ground, two children's playgrounds, and a public toilet to enhance community access to sports and leisure.
Main beneficiaries of the project are: local community, athletes and sports clubs, visitors and tourist.
Project successfully revitalized the stadium and surroundings, making sports and recreation more accessible and safe.

Resources needed

5 000 000,00 Eur.

Evidence of success

The stadium now meets safety and quality standards, allowing official football matches and athletics competitions to take place, which were banned.
The revitalized historical park, new pedestrian and cycling paths, and additional recreation areas (playgrounds, fitness zones, dog walking area) increased community use and visitor numbers.
These factors demonstrate the project's success in a healthier lifestyle, increasing public engagement, and revitalizing sports and recreational environment.

Potential for learning or transfer

The project offers several transferable opportunities that can be applied:
1.Effective stakeholder collaboration – cooperation between local government, sports federations, and the community was key to project success. This approach can be replicated in other infrastructure projects.
2.Strategic investment in multi-purpose infrastructure – combining sports, recreation, and public space improvements ensures broader community benefits and maximizes resource use.
3.Adapting to safety and quality standards – the project showcases how upgrading facilities to meet national and international safety requirements can restore access to sports events and attract more users.
4.Sustainable urban development – the incorporation of green spaces, pedestrian and cycling paths, and modern sports facilities highlights best practices in sustainable city planning.
These practise can guide municipalities in planning similar urban and sports infrastructure projects.