The history of the public park in Tambov spans over 180 years. In the 1830s, at the initiative of Governor P. Paskievich, a decision was made to create a city garden. In the mid-19th century, the northwestern part of the modern park was the central square of Tambov, known as Platsparadnaya, and later as Dvortsovaya. Ceremonial events were held here. In the second half of the 19th century, trees were planted in this square, and a city square was established. In the early 20th century, another city garden appeared near the art gallery, the merchants' assembly garden. Various attractions operated here, a brass band played in a wooden pavilion, summer theater performances took place, a buffet was open, and a bowling alley was available. In the center of the garden stood a fountain surrounded by flowerbeds. In winter, an ice rink was flooded in the merchants' garden. On festive and royal days, fireworks were arranged in the evenings.

After the revolution, both gardens were redesigned, and in the pre-war years, they were merged into one city park.