Summer Beach Zone Opens at Pionersky Pond in Gorky Park

In the very heart of the capital, a new spot for summer leisure has appeared. On the shore of the Pionersky Pond in Gorky Park, a modern beach area has been created where Muscovites and visitors to the city can not only stroll by the water but also fully relax: sunbathe on comfortable deck chairs, swim in clean water, and enjoy the summer mood surrounded by urban infrastructure.

Extensive transformation of the historic pond

Pionersky Pond, which has a long history dating back to the 19th century when it was known as the Small Pond in the Garden of the Bourgeois School, long remained unsuitable for swimming. Visitors could only take a boat ride or feed the ducks. Now, thanks to comprehensive reconstruction, the water body has been completely transformed. Specialists carried out large-scale restoration work on the pond:

• Cleared the bottom of silt and debris amounting to 3.7 thousand cubic meters
• Restored over 620 meters of shoreline
• Created a sandy bed and beach area with gentle slopes to the water
• Installed a mobile water purification unit with a bottom outlet

As a result of these measures, the water in the pond now meets all necessary standards for safe swimming.

Modern infrastructure for comfortable relaxation

Along the shore, a metal frame on piles was installed with a terrace board covering. The total area of the decking is about 4.6 thousand square meters. Comfortable chairs, deck chairs, and loungers have been placed on it for enjoyable sunbathing. “Despite the relatively small area, it will be possible to swim here, splash around in the water with children, and sunbathe on comfortable loungers and deck chairs,” noted Sergey Dunaev, Deputy Head of the Moscow Department of Capital Repairs. Four pavilions were built for visitors, housing:

• Changing rooms
• Shower facilities
• Toilets
• Beach equipment rental point
• Café with a terrace
• Administrative premises

The architectural appearance of the recreation area harmoniously fits into the park’s landscape — the pergolas are shaped like the arch of the park’s main entrance, creating a unified stylistic ensemble. A total of 356 various small architectural forms have been installed on the territory.

Landscaping and greening of the area

Around the pond, walkways made of concrete slabs covering a total area of 3.4 thousand square meters have been laid, allowing comfortable strolls in this zone even in the off-season, when the swimming season has not yet begun or has already ended. To create a cozy atmosphere and improve the ecological environment, the area was greened:

• Laid out about 6.5 thousand square meters of lawn
• Planted more than 30 lindens and maples
• Added about 500 shrubs

Lighting is provided by 55 lamps with energy-saving fixtures, allowing for evening walks by the water.

Visitor safety

Special attention has been paid to the safety of beach area visitors:

• Rescue towers have been installed
• An alert system has been mounted
• 25 video surveillance cameras are in operation

Thanks to these measures, relaxation at Pionersky Pond is not only comfortable but also safe for all categories of visitors.

Entertainment for the whole family

Next to the beach, a children’s playground with a slide, climbing structure, swings, and an obstacle course has been equipped. For parents watching their children, a small relaxation area with a pergola, comfortable chairs, and tables has been created. This combination of options makes the new beach area attractive for family recreation — adults can relax on deck chairs or swim while children entertain themselves on the specially equipped playground.

Part of the large-scale renovation of Gorky Park

The creation of the beach area on Pionersky Pond is part of the comprehensive reconstruction of Gorky Park, which is scheduled to be completed by 2026. Mayor Sergey Sobyanin spoke about the plans for the transformation of the territory a year ago. The reconstruction framework also includes:

• Construction of about 20 pavilions on Pushkinskaya Embankment, united into thematic quarters
• Creation of a zone for boating and pedal boats
• Construction of an all-season sports complex in Neskuchny Garden
• Erection of an entertainment complex with a 130-meter open panoramic pool on Vorobyovy Embankment

Program for the rehabilitation of Moscow’s water bodies

The renovation of Pionersky Pond is part of a large-scale program for the rehabilitation of Moscow’s water bodies. In 2025, specialists plan to restore another 19 ponds in the capital, including:

• Lower and Upper Kuzminki Ponds
• Two Kuntsevsky Ponds
• Upper Lyublinsky Pond
• Small Voronin Pond
• The water body in the 50th Anniversary of October Park

These sites will undergo silt removal, bottom deepening, shoreline repairs, waterproofing, and the installation of bioplates with aquatic vegetation.

Summer relaxation in the city center

The new beach area on Pionersky Pond is already ready to welcome visitors for the current summer season. It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and guests of Moscow to enjoy a beach holiday without leaving the city center. The creation of such recreational zones significantly enhances the comfort of the urban environment and the quality of life for Muscovites, providing accessible opportunities for water-side relaxation within walking distance of city infrastructure.