The green gem of the city consists of large forest-covered areas, as well as special parks and squares, which can range from relatively small sizes to areas of up to 50 hectares. Parks and squares in Liepaja were mostly created in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Seaside park
The three kilometres long Liepaja Seaside park is 50 hectares wide – currently one of the largest planted parks in Latvia, where around 140 local and foreign tree species grow. Creation of the park began at the end of 19th century. Today, same as centuries ago, the park is a popular recreational area. Seaside park is favoured by many residents as a place for walking, the park area has football fields, a basketball field, a playground, tennis courts, concert hall “Pūt, vējiņi!”, summer cafes and a mini-golf field. Bikeways and pedestrian pathways run through the park. The park was created by using not only plants, but also small architecture forms and fountains, thus achieving a merge between nature and man-made structures. Luxurious villas were built in 19/20th centuries in the eastern part of the Seaside park, along Dzintaru and Liepu Streets.
Rainis park
Rainis park is located between two main streets – Brivibas and Zemnieku Street. It is a green oasis with an area of 15.5 ha, which was constructed in the 19th century in Jaunliepaja as a landscape park. The park has a wide strolling arc, which is interconnected with pathways in different directions. Rainis park is also equipped with a playground and a fenced-off football field. From main streets the park is closed-off by alleys of horse chestnuts and alders.
Lacplesis garden
The park was created as a part of central Art Nouveau neighbourhood in Karosta at the end of 19th century, during the rule of Emperor Alexander III. The park has a greenery area of 5.22 ha. The park is equipped with a gymnastics area as well.
Ventspils Street park
Creation of the park in the current Lauma neighbourhood began in the middle of the 20th century. Park area is 3.73 ha.
The park is equipped with a playground and a recently constructed basketball field, which was created by the NBA basketball player’s Kristaps Porzingis family.
Dunikas Street garden
Establishment of green zone of Dunika Street began at the same time as the construction of Ezerkrasta neighbourhood. The garden area is 13.4 ha. This area is popular among residents, who enjoy walks along the Lake Liepaja.
Janis Cakste square
Janis Cakste square was initially constructed as a square for soldier training and parades. With time the square was planted with greenery and became a place for walks and recreation. Total square area is 1.36 ha. In 2013 the square was reconstructed, and the networks of pathways and greenery were restored to the state of pre-war Latvia period. In central area a large-sized flag of Latvia is located. The square also has a colourful fountain and quotes of the first president of Latvia Janis Cakste. Traditionally local schoolchildren gather here to celebrate the 1st of September. Also, on 11th of November residents of Liepaja gather here to embark on a torchlight procession together.
Rose square
Rose square is also commonly known as the heart of Liepaja city. Despite the comparatively small size, the square is a popular location for meetings and spending time. Rose square was created at the beginning of 20th century, geometric area composition was strictly observed with a rose garden in the middle and geometrically arranged pathways around it. Rose square was reconstructed in the year 2000, while retaining the idea of the central rose garden and trimmed beeches. Around the rose garden bed emblems of Liepaja twin cities are placed in the direction of each city. Manchurian walnut great tree grows in the Rose square as well.