Gorky Park in Minsk Reopens: A Historic Oasis with Modern Attractions

After the large-scale reconstruction Central Children’s Park named after Maxim Gorky in Minsk opened its doors to visitors. The landmark event coincided with an anniversary date — the oldest recreation area in Belarus celebrated its 220th birthday. The renovated park offers visitors a unique mix of historical heritage and modern entertainment, becoming a true oasis in the heart of the Belarusian capital.

From the Governor’s Garden to a Modern Park: A Journey Through the Centuries

The history of Gorky Park begins on May 1, 1805, when the Governor’s Garden — the first public leisure space in Belarus — was opened on the grounds of Minsk. Originally designed in the English style, it preserved the natural landscape and featured shady alleys. On its 18 hectares were local tree species: spruces, birches, rowans, and willows. In the early 20th century, thanks to the initiative of city head Karol Chapsky, the park was supplemented with sports facilities — a stadium with a cycling track, courts for tennis, croquet, and skittles. However, the most popular pastime remained boating on the pond. After 1917, the Governor’s Garden was renamed “Profintern Park,” and in 1936 received the name of the great Russian writer Maxim Gorky. It acquired the status of a children’s park only in 1960, when the main focus shifted to attractions for young visitors.

Reconstruction: Between Tradition and Modernity

The reconstruction concept was developed starting in 2022, with the active phase of work taking place from October 2024 to May 2025. As noted by Ruslan Kosevich, Deputy General Director of “Minskzelenstroy,” it was important to preserve the park’s historic look while introducing modern technologies and conveniences. The park’s heritage elements include the central entrance arch, the fence, and the characteristic landscape — all of these were kept intact. At the same time, unsafe structures, such as the “Sailor’s Bay” café complex, were dismantled to make way for new leisure zones. One of the key changes was the upgrade of the retail infrastructure. Old plastic and metal kiosks were replaced with permanent pavilions executed in a unified 1930s architectural style. The pavilion designs were coordinated with the Ministry of Architecture and the Minsk City Executive Committee to ensure their harmonious integration into the park’s historic environment.

Entertainment Zones: From Classics to Innovations

Gorky Park is rightfully considered the leader among Minsk parks by number of attractions — it now has 29, compared to only 16 in Chelyuskintsev Park. After the renovation, the park added new attractions: “Dragon,” “Biorobot,” “Fire Brigade,” and “Free-Fall Tower.” The beloved “Waltz” ride (nicknamed “the shell”) was dismantled and replaced with a new ride of similar design. Gleb Kuznetsov, Head of the Central Children’s Park, announced plans for further park improvements. In the near future, three more new attractions meeting all modern safety standards are to be purchased. It is worth noting that private attractions were removed during the modernization. According to management, this decision was made due to the obsolescence of most private facilities and the tightening of “GosPromNadzor” industrial safety regulations.

A Green Oasis for All Ages

Special attention in the renovated park was paid to different visitor categories. A new children’s play area with a sandbox and rope playground was created, complementing the existing attractions. Those who prefer a peaceful rest can now enjoy a special zone on the shore of the inner pond. On the site of the former “Fairy Castle” café, a quiet haven with wooden decks, comfortable benches, and greenery was arranged. Visitors note that here you can hardly hear the noise of the rides and can relax to the sound of birdsong. Gorky Park remains one of the greenest places in Minsk. More than 3,000 trees and 5,000 shrubs grow on its grounds, including rare species such as cedar pine, Weymouth pine, California fir, European larch, field and silver maples. Century-old decorative groups of lindens and maples, over 100 years old, have been preserved here.

Technological Solutions in a Historic Park

During the reconstruction, the park’s technical infrastructure was significantly modernized. Engineering communications were updated, fiber-optic lines laid, and the lighting system improved. Special attention was paid to security systems — the park is equipped with a modern video surveillance system, which is especially important for a mass recreation site. “Without false modesty, I’ll say: our park is the most popular in the capital. In visitor numbers, we have held the lead for more than one year. Just last season, 1.5 million people visited here,” notes Gleb Kuznetsov.

The Park as Part of the City’s Cultural Life

For decades, Gorky Park has played an important role in Minsk’s cultural life. As theater critic Nelli Krivosheeva recalls, unlike Chelyuskintsev Park, which was long considered an out-of-town leisure zone, Gorky Park has always been a place for cultural recreation. “Here you could often see schoolchildren brought for painting lessons. Many famous artists held plein airs in the park,” notes Nelli Abramovna. In the Soviet period, a covered amphitheater was located on the central alley between today’s sports complex and the children’s café, where amateur groups performed and poetry evenings were held. In winter, an ice rink was flooded on the “Pishchevik” stadium, where skates could be rented.

Prospects for the Development of Park Areas in Minsk and Belarus

The renovation of Gorky Park is part of a large-scale program to modernize recreational areas in Belarus. In addition to the capital’s parks (Chelyuskintsev, Minsk’s 900th Anniversary, and Hugo Chávez), recreational zones in the regions are also being actively developed. In Mikasevichi, the city park has already opened with futuristic gazebos, unusual swings, and an artificial waterfall. In Luninets, construction is underway on a 20-hectare park featuring an amphitheater, a children’s playground, and a 30-meter Ferris wheel. Of particular note is the People’s Unity Park project, which is expected to become one of Minsk’s main attractions by 2027. The park concept is built around the idea of the “River of Time,” along which platforms representing various regions of Belarus will be “strung.” Each region will be marked by a 3.5-meter sculpture depicting its coat of arms and landmark architectural structures.

The Park Today: Visitors’ Opinions

After the opening, the renovated Gorky Park received many positive reviews from visitors. “The waterfront leisure spot is simply wonderful. It’s so quiet and peaceful here, perfect for sitting and enjoying nature,” shared Minsk resident Olga. “The park has become much cozier. It’s gratifying that new locations have appeared. The park has become modern and convenient, now suitable not only for walks with children but also for those seeking solitude or simply wanting to relax outdoors,” noted capital resident Andrey. Many visitors especially appreciate the preservation of the park’s historical appearance alongside the introduction of modern technologies and conveniences. As guests note, Gorky Park remains a place where history and modernity coexist in harmony, creating a unique atmosphere for rest and entertainment.

Conclusion

The renovated Central Children’s Park named after Maxim Gorky is a vivid example of how historical heritage can be preserved and enhanced with modern elements. The large-scale reconstruction has transformed Belarus’s oldest park into a multifunctional space where every visitor can find entertainment to their liking. From attractions that delight children and adults to quiet corners for peaceful rest — the park offers a variety of leisure opportunities. The combination of rich history, cultural heritage, and modern technologies makes Gorky Park a unique place not only in Minsk but throughout Belarus. The opening of the renovated park was a significant event in the country’s cultural life, marking a new stage in the development of Belarus’s recreational zones. Gorky Park continues to remain a symbol of Minsk, attracting thousands of visitors with its inimitable atmosphere and diverse leisure options.