Revitalizing Panevėžys’ Oldest Green Space

Skaistakalnis Park is the oldest park in Panevėžys, Lithuania. Set in a scenic landscape along the bend of the Nevežis River, the park features hilly, wooded areas, small streams, and ponds. The architectural team “PUPA / Life Over Space” redesigned the park to enhance its beauty and accessibility. New bridges and paths improved access to previously hidden areas, while new activity zones, refreshed greenery, and increased biodiversity made the park more enjoyable for citizens.

The park has a rich history, originating as part of a historic manor in the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, the poet’s homestead in the park was a hub of cultural life. Later, various sports facilities were added, and the park hosted training sessions and competitions. However, in the 1970s, active sports were moved elsewhere to protect the natural environment. Though good for nature, this decision left the park neglected and overgrown for decades. This changed in 2016 when the Panevėžys municipality prioritized improving the city’s image and quality of life by investing in public spaces, arts, and culture, including Skaistakalnis Park.

In 2017, “PUPA / Life Over Space” won the competition to redesign the park and its historic homestead. The primary goal was to preserve the park’s natural forested character while creating spaces for entertainment and leisure. Different zones were designed: areas for gatherings and cultural events near the arts center in the historic manor, sports and activity zones by the main bridge, playgrounds, and smaller meeting spaces with benches throughout the park.

The historic homestead, a red brick heritage building, became a key attraction. It was renovated and expanded with a modern glass extension housing workshops and residencies, blending with the surrounding landscape. The area around the arts center is used for community events, with wooden terraces hosting readings, concerts, fairs, and exhibitions. One terrace is built on the former manor barn site, incorporating its ruins and original masonry. Gardens and orchards are maintained by local citizens.

Bridges also play a defining role in the park’s new identity. Both reconstructed and new bridges feature a design with vertical wooden planks. The main bridge across the Nevežis River, once inaccessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and cyclists, now includes ramps and an observation area for resting and viewing events. Smaller bridges over streams add charm and playfulness to the landscape of Skaistakalnis Park.

Skaistakalnis Park has been transformed into a vibrant, accessible space that balances nature with community activities, honoring its rich history while meeting modern needs. Its thoughtful redesign has made it a beloved destination for citizens, fostering both cultural engagement and outdoor recreation for generations to come.

In 2024, the arts center in the historic manor—Skaistakalnis Park’s main attraction and cultural hub—was recognized as the Best Recreational Architecture Project in Lithuania for its exceptional design and impact.

Project Data

Landscape architecture: PUPA
PUPA team: Tadas Jonauskis, Ignas Račkauskas, Lukas Kulikauskas, Augustas Makrickas, Justina Muliuolytė
Client: Panevėžys City Municipality
Other designers involved in the design of landscape:
Terra Firma LT (collaborating landscape architects), 
MUTUUS (project management https://mutuus.lt/)
Project location: Panevėžys City Municipality, Lithuania
Size of the territory: 29,7 ha
Year completed: 2023
Photo credits:
Aistė Rakauskaitė  (summer pictures),
Norbert Tukaj (winter pictures)