- Place
- Kupiškis District Municipality
- Region
- Aukštaitija
- Type
- 17.98 ha town-park area with sports facilities, the Račiupis pond, and Henrikas Orakauskas's sculpture-fountain
- Address
- K. Šimonio g., Kupiškis
- Coordinates
- 55.83506, 24.98683
- Visit duration
- 45 minutes-1.5 hours, longer when using sports facilities
- Best time
- a summer evening or autumn; check the extent of reconstruction work during 2026-2029
K. Šimonis Park, Račiupis Park
Two sides of the park across K. Šimonio Street
Kazys Šimonis Park is not a single compact ornamental garden. Municipal design material covers 17.98 ha between K. Šimonio and Gedimino streets, divided by a road and by function. Sports infrastructure is strongest in the north, while the Račiupis stream and pond shape the south.
Oaks, pines, and birches predominate, including pines planted in 1995. A stadium, paths, benches, and the adjacent pool add to the park. It is an everyday urban landscape that continues to change with sports and planting projects.
Baltic World Tree in the Račiupis pond
The Račiupis is dammed in the southern park to create a small pond. At its centre stands Henrikas Orakauskas's sculpture-fountain Baltic World Tree, unveiled in 2005 and reached by a bridge, making it a destination as well as a distant visual accent.
Metal and water work together best when the fountain is operating, but activation is seasonal and technical. Even without flowing water, the composition and original benches decorated with bird motifs retain their value as public art.
Why the park bears Kazys Šimonis's name
Kazys Šimonis was born in Starkonys in the former Kupiškis area in 1887. VLE describes a painter, printmaker, and illustrator whose art combines folk-art influence, stylised form, Symbolism, Art Deco, and mythology. He also documented vernacular art and architecture.
The park commemorates a local artist but is not an open-air display of his paintings. Consult current exhibitions at Kupiškis Ethnographic Museum or national art collections for original work. The distinction prevents Orakauskas's park sculptures from being incorrectly attributed to Šimonis.
The park will change in 2026-2029
The municipal project includes renewed paths, cycle routes, a skatepark, playground, rest areas, lighting, small architecture, and planting work. Phased construction means a familiar section can be fenced during a particular visit.
Check municipal notices and on-site directions before making a special journey. Never cross construction barriers because an old map shows a path, and keep off newly planted ground. Facilities should be reassessed after the renewal is complete.
Practical visit
This is a free public park without a ticket booth or fixed hours. Choose the Račiupis pond for a short walk or explore the sports areas for a more active visit. Timber and waterside surfaces can be slippery after rain.
Principal paths serve varied age groups, but construction and individual gradients can alter access. A wheelchair user or anyone with limited mobility should confirm which approach is currently step-free and open.
