Nowadays, a garden is not only a beautiful environment – it is an experience, a feeling, and a place to meet. To ensure that this experience can be enjoyed by everyone, accessibility is becoming increasingly important – both in the physical environment and in information provision. In cooperation with the University of Tartu, a Garden Accessibility Self-Assessment Tool has been developed within the framework of the project and is now available on our website in Latvian, Estonian and English. It is a practical instrument that helps garden and park owners evaluate their environment from the visitor’s perspective and identify areas for improvement.
This tool offers a new and practical approach to assessing garden accessibility, combining the needs of different visitor groups into a unified and easy-to-use system. The tool is structured as a step-by-step survey that analyses key aspects – from information accessibility and communication to movement logic, signage and the overall visitor experience. It provides a clear overview of the current situation and helps identify areas that require development.
The Garden Accessibility Self-Assessment Tool is available on the project website: https://www.gardenpearls.eu/lv/toolkit
The tool can be used to assess garden accessibility for different visitor groups. It helps users view the environment from the perspective of people with mobility, hearing and speech impairments, as well as those with intellectual disabilities or mental health conditions.
The value of the tool lies in its practicality – it not only supports evaluation but also decision-making. Based on the results, it is possible to set priorities and plan improvements in line with available resources and development goals.
This approach reflects the core idea of the project – to create an environment where gardens and parks are accessible to everyone. This includes not only infrastructure adaptations, but also clear information and inclusive communication.
Improving accessibility also benefits a wider audience – families with children, seniors, and international visitors who value clear and easily understandable environments.
We encourage all garden owners to use this tool and take a fresh look at their gardens – with the aim of making them more open and accessible to all.
The tool was developed within the INTERREG Estonia–Latvia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027, Project No. EE-LV00038 “Garden Pearls II”. The project aims to establish a network of gardens, parks and nature viewing sites, while developing and promoting garden tourism.
The “Garden Pearls II” project aims to create a network of gardens, parks, and natural sightseeing spots, developing and promoting garden tourism. It focuses on improving tourism solutions, especially focusing on the accessibility and tactile solutions of gardens and parks to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities.
The project activities are carried out with the support of the Interreg Estonia-Latvia Program for the period 2021-2027.
More information about the project is available on the website: www.gardenpearls.eu
Information prepared by:
Aija Neilande
Project Manager
aija.neilande@kurzemesregions.lv
