Beach No. 1 on the Minsk Sea: A Modern Getaway for Summer 2025

The Minsk Sea has always attracted city dwellers with its beaches, but until recently the main draw for vacationers was predominantly Beach No. 5. The situation changed radically after the large-scale renovation of Beach No. 1, which is now becoming the new focal point for water recreation enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at how this place has been transformed and what awaits visitors in the 2025 season.

From a Humble Beach to a Modern Recreation Zone

The story of Beach No. 1’s makeover began with a tragic event. In July 2023, a hurricane struck the territories of the first and second beaches, causing significant damage. According to eyewitnesses, the storm erupted suddenly – within minutes the clear sky was blanketed by clouds, a strong wind arose, and trees began to fall as if struck down. Unfortunately, the bad weather led to human casualties – a young woman died, and several people were injured. The aftermath of the hurricane was catastrophic – about 11 hectares of forest were damaged. As Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee Oleg Korzun noted at the time, coping with such destruction would be no easy task. However, the city authorities set to restoring the area with renewed vigor, aiming not just to return the beach to its former state but to improve it radically. By the start of the 2024 swimming season, the beaches had already been partially refreshed – stylish gazebos, modern loungers, and wooden changing cabins appeared. And by 2025, Beach No. 1 has undergone such a transformation that it’s now hard to recognize.

New Zoning – the Key to Comfortable Recreation

The main principle behind the Beach No. 1 renovation was functional zoning of the territory. Specialists from the Minsk Forestry and Park Management designed a concept that takes into account the interests of different categories of visitors. "We want to create a convenient space for all types of visitors – from families with children to young people who prefer active entertainment," explains Ekaterina Korotkina, Deputy General Director for Improvement and Maintenance of Green Facilities. Now the beach is clearly divided into several functional blocks:

1. Coastal Zone – equipped with comfortable loungers, while still leaving plenty of open space for those who prefer to sunbathe on their own blankets.
2. Central Area – here you’ll find a children’s play complex, courts for mini‑volleyball and mini‑football, as well as food and drink stalls for visitors’ convenience.
3. Private Zone – set furthest from the shore, cozy gazebos have been installed for groups seeking privacy and comfort.

In addition, the entire beach is conceptually split into two sides: the left side is designated for active recreation, and the right side for a more tranquil experience. This approach allows every visitor to find a spot that suits their preferences.

Modern Equipment and Infrastructure

The improvement of Beach No. 1 didn’t stop at functional zoning. The area now features new, state‑of‑the‑art equipment that meets all comfort and safety requirements:

• High‑quality changing cabins
• Modern children’s playgrounds with a variety of slides
• A decorative ship, which has become a true highlight of the beach
• A professional sports court
• Giant letters reminding visitors of their location

Particular attention was paid to the quality of the sand – a large quantity of soft, fine sand was brought in, making the beach experience even more comfortable.

Visitor Feedback and Future Prospects

Residents of Minsk who have already visited the renovated beach have highly praised the changes. "The beach is simply awesome. You can come with kids – there are various slides. Lots of loungers, plenty of benches, gazebos. In one word, this place is amazing," visitors share. Previously, Beach No. 1 was valued for its seclusion and smaller crowds compared to the more popular spots on the Minsk Sea. "A great place to relax, far fewer people than on Beaches 2, 3, 4, and 5. I recommend coming after 6 p.m. – there are very few people, and the sunsets are heavenly," reviews from 2023 read. Now, after the renovation, the beach has retained its charm while gaining many more amenities. The only concern for water‐leisure lovers is the potential shortage of parking spaces due to the location’s increased popularity. Visitors hope that the parking lots will soon be expanded and upgraded.

Conclusion

The transformation of Beach No. 1 on the Minsk Sea is a vivid example of how something new and wonderful can emerge from an unforeseen tragedy. Thanks to the efforts of the city authorities and specialists from the Minsk Forestry and Park Management, the once‑modest beach has become a modern, comfortable, and functional space for recreation. With clear zoning, new equipment, and well‑thought‑out infrastructure, Beach No. 1 is ready to give serious competition to the popular “Number 5” and become the new favorite spot for Minsk residents and visitors in the 2025 season. All that remains is to wait for the opening of public restrooms so that visitors’ comfort will be complete. So if you’re planning a summer outing to the Minsk Sea, be sure to visit the renovated Beach No. 1 – we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!