Bauland’s vision transforms the abandoned Tauragė hippodrome into ‘Jūra Park’ – a vibrant new hub connecting the city and nature. The project features a multifunctional water canal system that retraces the historic racetrack, seamlessly blending the protection of the Natura 2000 ecosystem with a lively ‘Jūra Town’ and a sustainable, recreational landscape.
The newly developed vision for the rebirth of the Tauragė hippodrome territory marks a new chapter in the city’s urban evolution, where historical memory converges with contemporary landscape architecture. At the core of the concept is the creative reinterpretation of the former racetrack’s outline into a sustainable, multifunctional water canal system. This design solution not only preserves local identity but also serves as a stormwater management and flood mitigation infrastructure. During the warm season, its recreational route accommodates boating and paddling, while in winter, it transforms into an open-air ice skating rink.
The project is grounded in the principles of universal accessibility and community integration, forging a direct link between the tranquility of nature and active urban life. The vision introduces a new pedestrian bridge ensuring a seamless connection to Tauragė’s Old Town, leading directly to the park’s compositional centerpiece – “Jūra Town.” Anchored around a central plaza with a fountain, the plan clusters key public functions: a museum, community center, library, and commercial spaces, establishing a vibrant nucleus for daily civic life. In the northern section, the urban fabric is enriched with active leisure zones, featuring a sprawling events lawn, sports fields, and a pond beach.
The vast majority of the site is dedicated to natural landscape, responding sensitively to the adjacent Jūra River valley and Natura 2000 conservation guidelines. Local biodiversity is enhanced through a hierarchically designed mobility network, extending from primary pedestrian routes to narrower, low-impact “greenways” and elevated wooden boardwalks. The landscape is further enriched with scenic viewpoints, riverside terraces, and a community orchard that brings local residents together. Ultimately, this space is envisioned not just for active recreation, but as a place to experience the sustainable coexistence of city and nature.
Location
Tauragė/Lithuania
Year
2025
Client
Tauragė District Municipality
Team
Donatas Baltrušaitis
Agnė Dailidaitė
Mykolas Šečkus
Milda Pacevičiūtė
Rasa Pilkauskaitė
Izabelė Čižinauskienė
Jonas Vyšniauskas
Edgaras Stuopelis
Anita Levin
Laurynas Žižys