Martynas Martinkevičius, Chairman of the Extreme Cycling Association and Director of Banga Ramp Park: ‘With a rapidly growing community of extreme sports enthusiasts, we feel the increasing demand for better infrastructure. And while more and more outdoor skateparks are becoming available for sports during the warm season, there is a noticeable shortage of indoor facilities where one can practice year-round. In Lithuania, we need a proper training base for top-level athletes, and this park will allow around 50 people to practice their tricks simultaneously. Therefore, we set a goal with Four One Four Skateparks, the world’s best ramp builders, to design Banga Ramp Park in such a way that we would be able to nurture future Olympians.’
Kalvis Lazdins, Head of the company Four One Four Skateparks and the project’s author: ‘We are excited to be involved in this project and help create currently the best indoor skatepark facility in Lithuania. It's been an interesting design process to implement ramp equipment for users of different skill levels in a limited space and we can't wait to visit Vilnius to turn this vision into reality! We hope the new facility will help progress wheeled extreme sports scene and open new doors to top level athletes in Lithuania.’
According to Lina Zamalytė-Krikščiūnienė, Head of the Real Estate Leasing Projects at Urban HUB, although other business-oriented industries mostly occupy Urban HUB, athletes are also settling in due to the suitable facilities.
Zamalytė-Krikščiūnienė explained further: ‘Urban HUB Vilnius was chosen to build a highest level ramp park due to the suitable ceiling height and length of the premises, as well as the open mezzanine on the second floor. To ensure athletes feel comfortable, we pay special attention to climate control and ventilation when setting up such areas. Additionally, the project’s convenient location and ample parking were also important.’
Banga Ramp Park will be easily accessible from the neighbouring districts of Fabijoniškės, Perkūnkiemis, Pašilaičiai, Tarandė and Avižieniai. Pupils will be able to reach it by public transport or by bicycle. The park will host BMX, rollerblading, skateboarding, scooter training sessions, and competitions. When not in training, enthusiasts will have the opportunity to learn tricks in ride sessions. BMX bikes, scooters, rollerblades and safety equipment will also be available for rent.
