The reconstruction of Mukusalas street promenade was one of the biggest investments of Riga City municipality into infrastructure renewal. In two years, a whopping sum of 20,8 million euros was spent on the reconstruction. These kinds of projects always end up being not so good and leave people upset, but this time complaints were actually on point.
From a skateboarders’ perspective, a reconstruction is a sign of new spot potential. Last year, we were already eyeing the part of the promenade across the road from LNB: a new extension into Daugava which promised some actual skateable terrain. Then the visualizations for the project showed something that looked like a skatepark. It is admirable that the city includes skateboarding and other riding pleasures in its planning.
Spring came and the promenade opened for the public to enjoy. Some friends have been there and told that instead of a skatepark there are some asphalt rideable “bumps”.
Intrigued, I took a bike ride to the promenade for an investigation.
Usually when you arrive at a new spot you have a moment of excitement. You start imagining trick and thinking of lines. Here, my mind was not rushing, nor did my feet.
First thing I noticed upon arrival was the X-Files theme song in my head. These “bumps” reminded me of flying saucers or some kind of tumors caused by an alien virus. There was a whole bunch of these flying saucers spread across two areas: six in the first, twelve in the second. An alien invasion.
Bumps were smooth and perfectly skateable in theory but didn’t come across too inviting. Pathetic and nasty little alien bumps.
But don’t judge the book by its cover, or a spot by your cynical attitude. I gave it a shot. I threw down, rode over one bump, then over another. By the time next bump arrived, I lost speed. So, I pushed and ollied on the side of the bump, rolled on a pebble and slammed. Sun was shining, birds singing, cars waiting politely for the green light at the intersection. And me reconsidering my life choices.
Wishing I would rather be abducted, I went to the second area.
There I found more bumps. Three big ones, seven (!!!) small ones and three big ones after. All placed in a straight line. Okay, this wasn’t funny anymore. It felt like they just had to build something, anything at all to justify expenses, because there’s no reason for this to exist.
The distance between each bump is not the same, the shapes are roughly the same. All this makes it feel messy and random. You can’t really pump through the “course” too since the bumps are tiny. Honestly, it is hard to imagine anyone really enjoying this. Maybe Sour Solution guys will come over and show how to skate this and make it look fun, but until then I think this a complete waste.
Still it is good that the city tries, but maybe doing less would’ve been better in this case.