A unique thematic landscape complex and one of the most beautiful parks -
"Zhetysu" Park represents an original natural ensemble located in the Yesil district of Astana. This picturesque recreational zone with an area of 15 hectares attracts the attention of citizens with its unusual features: here, landscape designers have recreated the main symbols and natural treasures of southeastern Kazakhstan, turning the green zone into a miniature copy of the legendary Semirechye region, located near the grand Nurzhol Boulevard and the famous Baiterek Monument.
A large-scale renovation of this space, previously known as "Aray" Park, took place in 2018 and cost the budget 3 billion tenge. The reconstruction, carried out by the general contractor "BI-Industrial" LLP, became an official gift to Astana from the Almaty region in honor of celebrating the 20th anniversary of the capital, which is emphasized by its location on the left bank not far from such iconic sites as the House of Ministries, the Round Square, and the romantic Lovers Park.
Today, this park is considered one of the most popular places for family recreation and morning jogs on the left bank. The territory is designed taking into account the needs of all categories of visitors, creating a single walking axis with the government quarter where the Akorda Presidential Residence rises. At the same time, on the other side of the river from this green zone stretch the vast Triathlon Park and the cozy Baurzhan Momyshuly Park.
The borders of the park are clearly delineated by the urban landscape: from the southern side it is limited by the busy and congested Sarayshyq street, from the western and northern sides residential buildings of the Chubary microdistrict adjoin it, and in the east the riverbed of the Ishim River acts as a natural boundary.
A convenient geographical location turns the park into an important transit and walking hub of the left bank. It is located near the "Arkhar" Bridge, which connects the old and new city centers. Via this bridge, one can cross from the park to the other bank of the river and get to the Presidential Park, where the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is located. Visiting this location allows tourists and residents of the capital to relax surrounded by dense trees, completely switching from the noise of business quarters to the contemplation of nature.
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How to get there and visit -
"Zhetysu" Park is located at the address: 13B Sarayshyq Street, Shubar microdistrict, left bank of the Ishim River, Yesil district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°08'11"N 71°26'19"E
You can reach this recreation zone by public transport. City buses No. 1A, 10, 15, 15A, 18, 19, 29, 29A, 30, 40, 47, 52, 54, 56, 60, 61, 121 run to the stop "Zhetysu Park" from the side of Sarayshyq Street.
For owners of private cars, parking pockets and parking zones are provided from the side of the residential area. Additionally, you can use city taxi services.
The park space is open to guests 24/7, entrance to the entire territory is completely free. Public catering outlets, coffee shops, and seasonal rental stations for sports equipment operate according to their own schedules, predominantly from 10:00 to 22:00 in the warm season.
For questions regarding the maintenance and improvement of the territory, citizens can contact the city Department of Environmental Protection and Nature Management.
Viewing of all architectural forms and art objects is free.
https://www.instagram.com/jetisu.park
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History
The history of this park began in 2007, when "Aray" Park was laid out in the young administrative center of the capital. Eleven years later, the territory awaited fundamental changes. The Almaty region fully financed and carried out large-scale construction and landscaping works here. The renovated oasis was renamed "Zhetysu", which personifies the Semirechye region, sacred for the Kazakh people, where the foundations of the Kazakh Khanate were once laid.
During the presentation of the project, the akim of the Almaty region, Amandyk Batalov, detailed the concept of the park to the country's leadership, in which they managed to gather the key geographical and spiritual markers of the southern region.
The main idea of the large-scale reconstruction was to create a living connection between the regions of the country. On an impromptu stage on the opening day, the best ethno-cultural associations and creative collectives of the Almaty region performed before the first visitors. The head of state emphasized then that all regions of the republic took part in the construction of Astana, and this magnificent gift would become a favorite holiday destination for every resident. Over the past years, the park has proven its relevance, becoming a striking landscape calling card of the left bank.
Information
"Zhetysu" Park is arranged as a complex multifunctional space divided into four distinct thematic zones. Excellent conditions for sports, walking, and children's games are created here. For fans of an active lifestyle, a professional looped bicycle path with a length of 1,200 meters is laid out, which with the onset of winter turns into a well-groomed ski track. Also, outdoor gym equipment, ramps for skateboarders, tables for board games, and a large roller rink that transforms into an ice rink in the cold months are installed in the sports sector.
Landscape engineers paid special attention to preserving the old green fund: existing shrubs and trees were carefully treated, dry branches were removed, and more than two thousand new saplings were additionally planted. For ease of navigation, 14 three-sided LED steles were installed at key forks in the alleys, which help tourists orient themselves in space. In the summer period, it is allowed to arrange family picnics on the green lawns of the park.
Подробное описание объекта
The well-thought-out infrastructure of the park includes the following original locations:
• Central entrance – a ceremonial group made in the form of seven majestic lancet arches, the height of which symbolizes the cascades of the Alatau mountains, and the number corresponds to the seven main rivers of the region.
• Caravan sculpture – a bronze composition of a merchant with two laden camels at the entrance to the park, recalling the passage of branches of the Great Silk Road through Semirechye.
• Aport Square – a central alley with refreshing singing fountains, artificial relief hills, and cozy wooden gazebos, decorated with original bronze statues of sliced apples.
• Tengri Square – a key hub of the park in the shape of six petals. Children's playgrounds with tactile panels for one-year-old toddlers and play complexes for children from 3 to 14 years old are laid out on them.
• Natural imitations – reduced copies of the rocks of the Charyn Canyon, stones of the Tamgaly-Tas tract with ancient petroglyphs, as well as an artificial Ili River flowing into a miniature reservoir of Lake Balkhash with figures of horses.
Architecture
The architectural solution of the park is based on the principles of modern eco-urbanism with the integration of national symbolism. All paths and functional zones are subordinated to a radial layout converging to Tengri Square. The highlight of the landscape architecture is the Ash Alley, recreating the appearance of a relict grove of Sogdian ash. During the construction of the sites, durable natural materials were used: granite, wood, and wild stone. The architectural ensemble harmoniously fits into the coastal zone of the left bank, creating a smooth transition from urban buildings to the water surface of the river.
Legend
Among the citizens lives a romantic legend about the central map of Kazakhstan, which is planted in the very heart of the park from rare flowers, aromatic herbs, and creeping shrubs. They believe that if a couple in love walks across this living map from the eastern regions to the western ones, their union will be long, strong, and happy.
Another legend is connected with the sculptural group depicting a wise akasakal with his grandson: it is believed that if a student or a young researcher sits next to them in the shade of the trees before an important exam, the spirit of the ancestors will grant him clarity of mind and good luck.
Conclusion
"Zhetysu" Park is a magnificent green bridge connecting the natural diversity of the southern regions with the modern architectural thought of the capital. A visit to this landscape center allows guests of the city to make a mini-journey across Kazakhstan in one walk.
The park remains the main landmark for a healthy lifestyle and ecological leisure on the left bank. Tourist routes definitely include this point in the lists of must-visit places, allowing everyone to fill their day with freshness and tranquility.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• "Kazakhstan" Central Concert Hall;
• Lovers Monument;
• Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center;
• Emerald Quarter;
• Abu Nasr Al-Farabi Mosque.
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