The 300th Anniversary Park of Saint Petersburg is located in the northwest of the city, on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. It is the youngest landscaped forest park area, established in 1995 in honor of the 300th anniversary of Saint Petersburg. The park covers almost 54 hectares, but its boundaries are gradually shrinking due to the construction of elite real estate. Despite this, the park remains a popular recreational spot for thousands of residents. Major celebrations are held here, picnics take place in the summer, and in winter, visitors can ski and skate.
The park's creation began in 1994 when the mayor of Saint Petersburg, Anatoly Sobchak, planted a symbolic tree. Formalities were settled within a year, and soon large-scale construction began in the northwest of the city. The coastline was reinforced, lawns and thousands of trees were planted. The official opening of the park took place for the city's 300th anniversary, attended by the government of Saint Petersburg.
Interestingly, the park is located on reclaimed land, where 30 years ago there was a swamp and waters of the Baltic Sea. A stormwater drainage system has been developed here, which is unique for Russia in the creation of forest park facilities.
The Finnish city of Helsinki gifted the park 300 decorative apple trees and a boulder with an iron pearl, symbolizing friendship between the cities. This granite object is called the 'Friendship Stone.'
The center of the park features a granite column in the shape of a lighthouse, 22 meters tall, leading to the central alley. The lighthouse symbolizes three eras of Saint Petersburg's existence and has become a popular spot for walks and photo sessions.
In 2012, a monument to the revolutionary Francisco Miranda was erected in the park, gifted during the visit of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. It is believed that rubbing the statue's shoe will ensure a happy family life for newlyweds.
To the east of the park is a gift from the government of Jeju Island, the 'Dolharbang' exhibition, consisting of five stone statues. According to legend, rubbing the nose of the statue can prevent misfortunes for a year.
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg, a Parliamentary Alley was planted in the park, symbolizing democracy and political diversity in the city.
The proximity to the Gulf of Finland and clean air have made the park a popular place for recreation. Here, one can play volleyball, ride bicycles and scooters, but swimming in the gulf is prohibited. There are plans to build tennis courts.
Nearby, the Piterland water park offers various entertainment options, including yachting, surfing, and extreme attractions.
The 300th Anniversary Park has become a venue for concerts, festivals, and fairs. Beach parties and air shows are held here. Due to COVID restrictions, events have been temporarily canceled.
Opposite the park is the 'Lakhta Center,' which has become a new symbol of the city. During the reconstruction of the coastal area, a modern road will be built to it.
For children, a separate area with attractions and picnic spots has been created in the park. Contests and workshops are held here, and in winter, an ice slide is set up. The Maslenitsa celebration attracts thousands of visitors.
After the city's anniversary, the park faced the problem of construction. Over the past 15 years, its area has been halved. Residents are dissatisfied with the construction associated with the name of former governor Valentina Matviyenko. In 2018, the coastal strip was sold for commercial use, and construction began in 2021. The government promises to preserve the forest park area, and the works are part of a reconstruction plan.
The territory has been transferred to the management of 'Zenit-Arena,' and the reconstruction will last until 2023. Access to the park's beaches is temporarily closed.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first.
To leave a comment, sign in with Google.