Kuzminsky Forest Park is one of the largest green oases of the capital. A culture and recreation park was created on the site of an old manor complex. What is the history of this place, is it possible to have fun here today?
Kuzminki Manor
Today Kuzminki is a
district of Moscow, several centuries ago this area was still considered a "province". It is believed that the modern geographical name came from the name of Kuzma - the owner of the mill on the Goledyanka River. The river still winds through the park, sometimes it is also called Churilikha or Ponomarka. The first official mention of the Kuzminki estate dates back to the beginning of the eighteenth century. At that time, the owner of the estate was G. Stroganov. Later, the estate passed to the Golitsyn family. The new owners of the estate did not deprive Kuzminsky forest park. A large green garden is being improved, a cascade of 4 ponds appears here. The park itself is designed in the French style, on its territory 12 comfortable walkways are laid, which are connected together in the center, like the rays of the sun. In the mid-nineteenth century, the Golitsyns cast cast-iron gates in their own Ural plant, which are installed on the estate before the linden alley.
The modern history of the recreation park
In 1917, the estate and Kuzminki park were nationalized. Initially, the building of the main residential building was transferred to the Institute of Experimental Veterinary Medicine. In 1918, a military chemical training ground was opened in the southeastern part of the forest park. On its territory hazardous waste was disposed of (by burial in the soil) and chemical weapons were tested. Since 1937, work began on the cleaning and degassing of land in the Kuzminsky forest park. In 2001, the Russian Emergencies Ministry conducted a study of the soils of the territory of the former training ground. No large metal objects were found in the upper layers of the soil, while experts do not deny the possibility of contamination of the soil with arsenic. For this reason, visitors to the Kuzminsky Park are not recommended to eat any mushrooms and berries collected in the recreation area. In 1977, the Kuzminki Park was officially opened. Since then, this
green area has been a favorite vacation spot for many residents of the surrounding areas.
Kuzminki park nature
Kuzminsky forest covers a total area of 1189 hectares. The area of 375 hectares is a park of culture and leisure, landscaped and open to visitors. The Moscow part of the recreation area is part of the historical natural zone of Kuzminki-Lublino. Most of the park is forested. Various tree species grow here. The most remarkable plantings of pines, birch and black alder. Despite its proximity to civilization, the Kuzminsky Forest Park boasts an impressive variety of wildlife. Squirrels, foxes, hedgehogs, hares, and moles live here. Various types of fish and amphibians are found in ponds. During a walk through the forest park you can hear the voices of a variety of birds. Here live: owl-owl, kinglet,
small flycatcher, siskin, yellow and many other species.
Interesting sights
Unfortunately, the main manor house has not survived to the present day and today in its place stands a building built in 1930. Tourists will not be able to see the center of the old estate, since today this territory is closed for reconstruction and surrounded by a high fence. Perhaps very soon the outbuildings of the manor house and the “new” building built in its place will be open for visiting. But everyone can take a look at the Church of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God, a house on the dam, a horse yard, a music pavilion, a kitchen, ancient grottoes and some other interesting objects. It is difficult to believe that after walking quite a bit from the Kuzminki metro station, you can visit many historical museums located in close proximity to each other. On the territory of the park there are expositions dedicated to Russian manor life, the Golitsins estate, crews, and literature.
Recreation and entertainment for every taste
In the summer, the Kuzminsky Forest Park becomes the venue for a variety of festivals. In the recreation area there are cafes, tents with snacks and drinks, souvenirs. The real highlight of the park is the ship-cafe “Melnik Kuzma” floating on the surface of the upper pond. In warmer months, boats and catamarans are also available. An amusement park is open for young visitors. In the recreation area there are playgrounds. On weekends and holidays animated programs and educational excursions, music concerts are held. In 2005, Kuzminsky Park became the official residence of Santa Claus.
How to get to Kuzminsky park?
The recreation area spreads immediately to several residential districts and administrative districts. The main entrance to the park is located from Kuzminskaya Street, once there was a legendary
linden alley. For the convenience of visitors, the entrance gate is available in several parts of the recreation area. Which side is most convenient to go to the Kuzminsky forest park, how to get here? From the Ryazansky Prospekt metro station, you can take bus number 29 or minibus number 429 to the Paustovsky Museum stop. You can get from Kuzminki metro on route No. 471 to the Pig-iron Gate stop, or walk about 10 minutes.