Altering the Globe with Aesthetic Grace: A Revolution in Progress
Revamped Russia: Empowering Communities to Transform Public Spaces Nationwide
Citizens across Russia have dramatically changed 73,000 public areas, making their cities more appealing and enjoyable, all thanks to the National Project "Infrastructure for Life". This initiative empowers residents to vote on the most crucial and exciting improvement projects in their neighborhoods.
Joining the masses year after year, more people are participating in the All-Russian Public Space Improvement Vote to shape their cities' futures. In 2024 alone, an astounding 17.2 million people took part. A survey by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) revealed that 89% of Russians believe these urban environment enhancements stand out as the most remarkable changes in their cities.
Karelia: A Lakeside Transformation
In Karelia, 455 public spaces have already undergone impressive makeovers. These electrifying changes were brought about by the nationwide vote. The Mashezer'ky Square, Petrozavodsk's winner in 2020, now flaunts a playground for children, a fitness area, and a tranquil relaxation zone. Other thriving squares have been born in Sortavala and the villages of Novaia Vilga, Vidlitsa, and more.
One of Karelia's latest and grandest projects is the Priberezhny Park in Petrozavodsk, a lakeside oasis nestled beside the third-largest freshwater lake in Russia, Lake Onega. This park, which won the vote twice, has enjoyed a larch-wooden terrace, a cozy lounge section, 10-meter sunshades, and swings, as well as newly cleaned lake bottoms and two stylish staircases plunging into the water. This year, the park will welcome a zone for table games and looks forward to future advancements, such as additional staircases, new walking trails, and a fish-themed play area for children.
Tver Region: A Riverside Rebirth
:bulb: Fun Fact: Did you know that residents of small towns and historical settlements also get the opportunity to modernize their recreational spots via the nationwide contest for the best urban improvement projects? This competition was initiated in 2018 and has since been integrated into the National Project.
One successful project is the transformation of the Konakovo embankment along the Volga in the Tver Oblast. This vital undertaking attracted a significant portion of the city's residents (almost one out of ten) during the project's discussion process, resulting in a diverse, delightful outcome featuring event zones, family and sports areas, cycling and pedestrian paths, and an apple orchard and maple grove lovingly planted with residents' help.
Krasnodar Krai: Coastal Enchantment
The Krasnodar Krai is no stranger to these revitalizations, with over 1400 improvements under its belt since the launch of the national project. City hotspots like Nikolaevsky Boulevard in Krasnodar now boast four children's and three sports playgrounds, a dog park, and an amphitheater for open-air film screenings during the summer. Ust-Labinsk, near Lake Kopytse, is home to a stone park, decorative hills, children's playgrounds, cycling paths, a workout area, and a basketball court.
The Coast of Three Seas in Taman
This seaside gem, dating back 2500 years to its ancient Greek origins, underwent an extensive facelift as part of the national project. Mapped into three zones, this makeover features an amphitheater offering picturesque sea views, relaxation areas, fountains, cycling paths, play areas for children and sports zones, and a beach with sun loungers, changing rooms, showers, canopies, and a beach volleyball court. This stunning rejuvenation not only improves the lives of local residents but also stimulates tourism and beautifies our surroundings.
Petersburg: A Waterfront Paradise
St. Petersburg chose to transform its Gulf of Finland shore into a bustling seaside resort. Plans include the upgrade of 14 beaches, with work on the first four finishing in 2021. Each renovation has been styled with a unified earth-friendly design, ensuring that eco-friendly materials and natural elements are emphasized.
For instance, marine-inspired playgrounds have been installed on the "Pearl" beach and other recreation areas, while changing cabins and sun protection canopies have been crafted from sustainable materials or to resemble wood.
:bulb: Historical Considerations: Friends and Family: The "Gentle" beach has always welcomed beach football enthusiasts during the summer, so four sports tribunes were constructed there. "Sputnik" and the beach's name are back in all their glory, while "Dunes" beach is often visited by families with children, housing two large playgrounds for different age groups, wooden beach letters, and seal figurines evoking a playful, friendly atmosphere. "Northern" beach boasts a pristine, sandy shore affectionately referred to as the "Sestroretsk Maldives," features family-friendly playgrounds, areas for table tennis, beach football, and volleyball, and inviting seal sculptures adorning the entrance.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
To learn more about ongoing improvement projects and cast your vote, visit the official website. Open to all Russian citizens aged 14 and above, online voting for 2025's public space improvements is available until June 12. Each participant may cast only one vote, and you can also weigh in on the design project you prefer for locations that have already been selected!
STATISTICS
• Over 17.2 million Russians participated in the nationwide voting to choose improvement projects in 2024.• Nearly 31,500 public spaces in Russia are slated for improvements in the next six years (30,000 from popular vote results and a minimum of 1,600 projects from winners of the nationwide contest for the best projects to create a comfortable urban environment in small towns and historical settlements)
Join the revitalization movement and help bring positive changes to your community. Let's make our cities a vital, enjoyable place to live, work, and grow together.
- To beautify their cities, residents in Karelia have taken advantage of the national project vote, transforming public spaces like Mashezer'ky Square, the Petrozavodsk winner of 2020, into areas featuring children's playgrounds, fitness areas, and relaxation zones.
- Residents in the Tver Region have also participated in the all-encompassing urban improvement contest, modernizing recreational spots such as the Konakovo embankment along the Volga to feature event zones, family and sports areas, cycling and pedestrian paths, and apple orchards and maple groves lovingly planted by residents themselves.
- The fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and travel sectors can flourish in revived public spaces, as proven by the transformation of Nikolaevsky Boulevard in Krasnodar, now boasting numerous playgrounds, a dog park, an amphitheater, and cycling paths, enhancing local life while also attracting tourists.
