On 12 June 2026, Tukums Municipality carried out a visitor evaluation activity at Ziedonis’ Garden on Mālkalns Hill, the municipality’s demonstration garden within the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project Interactive Gardens.
The evaluation was organised during the educational event “Mālkalns Meadows – an Educational Walk with Agnese Priede”. During the guided walk, meadow expert and botanist Agnese Priede introduced participants to the natural meadows of Mālkalns Hill, their plant diversity and appropriate management. The event also provided an opportunity for participants to explore the developing Ziedonis’ Garden and experience the area through an organised educational activity.
The event was attended by 15 visitors, excluding the organisers. Following the activity, 13 participants completed a visitor questionnaire based on the Interactive Gardens project evaluation guidelines. The questionnaire covered visitor profiles and visiting habits, their overall experience of the area, evaluation of the physical environment, perceived effects on health and well-being, and suggestions for further development.
The evaluation results showed a very positive visitor experience. All 13 respondents gave the highest rating – 5 out of 5 – to all six evaluated aspects of the physical environment: cleanliness, safety, accessibility, greenery and nature, paths, and benches and seating areas.
The results regarding visitor well-being were equally positive. All respondents gave the highest rating to statements indicating that after spending time on Mālkalns Hill they felt more relaxed, experienced a pleasant break from their daily routine, felt an improvement in their mood, and perceived the area as beneficial for their health and well-being.
For most participants, the event was also an opportunity to discover the area: 9 of the 13 respondents visited Mālkalns Hill for the first time. All respondents spent more than one hour in the area, while the educational event itself lasted almost two hours.
The survey also provided useful suggestions for the further development of Ziedonis’ Garden. Visitors mentioned the need for additional benches, suggested community activities such as meadow hay-raking events, and proposed developing a children’s playground. Participants also expressed encouragement to continue the development of the garden and implement the planned ideas.
The pilot evaluation provided Tukums Municipality with valuable feedback on how visitors perceive and experience Ziedonis’ Garden on Mālkalns Hill. The results will contribute to the evaluation of the Interactive Gardens approach and provide practical input for the further development of the demonstration garden as a place combining nature, environmental education, recreation and interactive learning.
On 12 June 2026, Tukums Municipality carried out a visitor evaluation at Ziedonis’ Garden on Mālkalns Hill within the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project Interactive Gardens.
The evaluation took place during the educational event “Mālkalns Meadows – an Educational Walk with Agnese Priede”. During the guided walk, meadow expert and botanist Agnese Priede introduced participants to the natural meadows of Mālkalns Hill, their plant diversity and meadow management.
The event was attended by 15 participants, excluding the organisers. Following the activity, 13 participants completed a visitor questionnaire based on the Interactive Gardens project evaluation guidelines. The questionnaire covered demographic information, visiting habits, the overall visitor experience, evaluation of the physical environment, perceived effects on health and well-being, and suggestions for improvements.
The results showed a very positive assessment of the area. All 13 respondents gave the highest rating – 5 out of 5 – to all six evaluated aspects of the physical environment: cleanliness, safety, accessibility, greenery and nature, paths, and benches and seating areas.
The responses concerning well-being were also very positive. All 13 respondents gave the highest rating to statements indicating that after spending time on Mālkalns Hill they felt more relaxed, experienced a pleasant break from their daily routine, felt an improvement in their mood, and perceived a positive effect on their health and well-being.
For 9 of the 13 respondents, this was their first visit to Mālkalns Hill. All respondents spent more than one hour in the area, while the organised event itself lasted almost two hours.
The survey also collected suggestions for improvements. Respondents mentioned additional benches, community hay-raking activities to support meadow management, and a children’s playground. Participants also expressed support for continuing the development of the garden and implementing the planned ideas.
The visitor survey provided Tukums Municipality with feedback on how the participants evaluated Ziedonis’ Garden and their experience during the visit. The results will be used as part of the evaluation activities of the Interactive Gardens project.