Summer has begun. Novosibirsk is basking in the sun, and the townspeople and city guests are wondering: "Where do you go for a walk today?" Most of the city parks have become noisy and crowded, but in the capital of Siberia there is one great place for walking - the Birch Grove culture and leisure park. Novosibirsk is famous for this beautiful square.
This park is considered to be one of the largest places to relax in the city. It has an interesting and sad history, but you should not get hung up on it, because today you can safely walk here, ride rides and bicycles along asphalt paths among centenary birches.
Sad backstory
At the beginning of the 20th century, the New City and Zakamenskoe cemeteries opened on the territory of the present park. They were closed in 1960. City buildings in those years were very far from this place. And nothing disturbed the peace in the birch grove. At the churchyard there was a church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She survived the years of persecution (1930s).
In the postwar years, Novosibirsk began to grow rapidly. Its development did not go according to the plan of urban planners. So, the pogosts were surrounded by high-rise buildings. The cemeteries were soon closed, as they came to desolation. Most of the graves were not well-groomed, and some were completely abandoned. The city authorities decided to use this territory with benefit for business.
Land improvement
In 1963, it was decided to lay a park on this site. The graves were simply demolished. And garden workers, even today, find Siberian bones during excavations. Somewhere in the dense thickets of the park area there are gravestones. However, all these terrible facts did not stop Novosibirsk from falling in love with a birch island!
In 2008, a large-scale improvement was carried out in the park, the program of which included: cutting down old and dangerous trees, planting young seedlings (pine, birch and cedar), replacing shabby asphalt, breaking down flower beds, lawns, and so on.
After 5 years, namely in 2013, a four-tier fountain equipped with a backlight was opened in the Birch Grove Park (Novosibirsk). This event was timed to the anniversary of the city - the 120th anniversary of the capital of Siberia.
Infrastructure
Despite the sad history of creating a place to relax for citizens, the park has a well-developed infrastructure. At the main entrance, the bright blue domes of the Assumption of the Virgin Church rise. For outdoor enthusiasts, sports equipment was rented. In winter, visitors skate and ski. The territory of the park is well lit. And even in the dark, you can safely walk here. Attractions are located on the eastern side of the territory. In the opposite, that is, the western part, the house of culture "Builder" operates. Animal lovers can visit the petting zoo in the birch garden.
You will be surprised and think: "How can a park contain so many objects?" The answer is simple! The thing is that the park covers an area of 30 hectares.
Flora and fauna
Time passed, and the place for sorrow and sadness turned into one of the cozy and beautiful corners of the city. The park was transformed and modified every year. Every spring and autumn, new trees and shrubs appear on its land.
You already guessed by the name that a lot of centuries-old birches grow in the park. But over the years, bird cherry, rowan, larch, maple, pine began to appear there, and from the bushes added rose hips, lilac, dogwood, snowman and other plants.
Thus, today the Birch Grove Park (Novosibirsk) has a special and bright atmosphere.
Now the walking area in the park is very beautiful and calm. There are benches along the paths so that travelers can relax, read a book or magazine. It was this area that the red mistresses of the park, the squirrels, loved. They are almost tame here. They are not afraid of visitors and very often sit on a bench next to a person in order to be treated to treats.
Visitor Services
The park administration made sure that the rest was not only comfortable, but also varied. Athletes will appreciate the beautiful rope park.
Novosibirsk and Birch Grove developed simultaneously, so the garden is filled with many services, namely:
- ski rental;
- rink;
- shooting at a shooting range;
- laser tag;
- complex of snow slides "King of the Hill";
- many rides;
- riding on animals;
- hippotherapy;
- snowmobile rental for children and adults;
- rental of gazebos, as well as convenient barbecue facilities;
- cafes and restaurants;
- kebabs;
- pop scenes;
- show programs.
Mode of operation
In Novosibirsk, the Birch Grove Park is open all year from 11:00 to 22:00.
Cash desks stop working half an hour before closing, that is, at 21:30. Consider this factor when taking an evening walk, otherwise you can be left without a ticket to the rides.
Like any urban institution, the garden has leaders. The administration of the Birch Grove Park (Novosibirsk) is located at 53 Planetnaya Street.
Remember that the manual works according to its schedule: 9:00 - 17:30. Lunch from 12:30 to 13:00.
Despite the fact that a hundred years ago there was a cemetery, today the guests of the city do not remind about this! The authorities and employees of the park managed to create comfort, joy and fun in the Birch Grove Park (Novosibirsk). Reviews about this place are only positive.
Four sectors
During the improvement, the administration decided to divide the park into four zones, each of them has its own meaning:
- Walking - filled with alleys, paths and benches.
- Memorial - has a monument to soldiers who died from wounds in Novosibirsk hospitals, as well as a foundation stone called "Generation XXI".
- Active is the busiest area in the park. The presence of attractions and rental of sports equipment make it a favorite point of the townspeople.
- The latter, a sports area, has a tennis court, horizontal bars and treadmills, which are always occupied by vacationers.
In other words, the Birch Grove Park (Novosibirsk) is one of the most favorite vacation spots on summer and winter days. Come and see for yourself.