Minsk to Open Renovated Gorky Park on May 1, 2025, and Expand Hugo Chávez Park

Minsk is preparing for a significant event in the field of urban recreation — on May 1, 2025, the ceremonial opening of the renovated Central Children's Park named after M. Gorky will take place after extensive reconstruction. At the same time, city authorities are actively developing the infrastructure of the park named after Hugo Chávez, where the design of the fourth construction phase has already begun. This information was presented by Sergey Rozhnov, Deputy Head of the "City Parks" Department of UP "Minskzelenstroy", at a meeting of the Environmental Council of the Minsk City Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.

Gorky Park: A New Life for a Historic Leisure Destination

The reconstruction of Gorky Park, which began in October 2024, has entered its final phase. As part of the update, comprehensive work was carried out to modernize the entire infrastructure of this popular leisure destination. The reconstruction project envisaged several key areas:

• Renovation of the road and path network
• Modernization of the lighting system
• Reconstruction of trading and catering facilities
• Renewal of sports facilities
• Creation of modern areas for children's and family recreation

Particular attention is drawn to the construction of a new large children's playground with injury-safe surfacing, which will become one of the main attractions of the renovated park. Along the embankment of the Svisloch River, four modern cafes will appear in a unified architectural style reminiscent of the historic wooden structures of Gorky Park from the 1930s. According to Alexander Rakovshchik, head of the Department of Urban Economy and Energy of the Minsk City Executive Committee, the project also includes the replacement of engineering networks and partial modernization of the lighting system. On the central avenue, stylish trade pavilions of a uniform design will be located. The renovation of Gorky Park began as early as the summer of 2022, when the reconstruction project was undergoing public discussion. At that time, residents of Minsk were presented with plans for the creation of a platform with wooden decks and temporary mini-cafes along the embankment.

Hugo Chávez Park: The Sporting Future of the Green Zone

Simultaneously with the completion of works at Gorky Park, the authorities of Minsk are developing the infrastructure of Hugo Chávez Park, located in the Kamennaya Gorka microdistrict of the Frunzensky District. In 2024, the third phase of the park's construction was completed, during which wide and well-maintained paths were created, lighting was installed, stairs and bike lanes were built, rest areas were arranged, and new attractions were added. In the same year, the park was handed over to the management of UP "Minskzelenstroy", marking a new chapter in its development. In 2025, the design of the fourth construction phase of the park began. According to the presented plans, the main focus will be on sports infrastructure. On an area of more than 28 hectares, it is planned to include:

• Facilities for all major sports (football, volleyball, basketball, streetball)
• A hockey rink — the first in the city's park system
• A velodrome for cycling enthusiasts
• Commercial facilities for visitors' comfort
• Areas for quiet relaxation

Sergey Rozhnov noted that no new attractions are planned as part of the fourth construction phase, since the attractions area was opened last year. The implementation of the new stage in the development of Hugo Chávez Park is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025.

Perspectives on the Development of Minsk's Green Zones

Extensive work on the renovation and expansion of park areas is part of the strategy for the development of Minsk's green zones, aimed at creating a comfortable urban environment for residents and visitors of the capital. The modernization of Gorky Park and the expansion of Hugo Chávez Park will significantly enhance the city's recreational potential, providing Minsk residents with new opportunities for active and passive leisure in environmentally clean areas. The city administration invites all residents and visitors of the capital to visit the renovated Gorky Park on May 1, 2025, and appreciate the results of the reconstruction of one of Minsk's most beloved leisure spots. In the coming years, Minsk's park infrastructure will continue to develop, providing residents with a high quality of outdoor leisure.