A sandy oasis in the very center of the metropolis -
The City Beach is an original natural ensemble located in the Nura district of Astana. This picturesque recreational zone attracts the attention of citizens with its unusual features. The object is located directly in the Central Park of the capital on the banks of the Ishim River, 3.7 km from the city center. Opposite, on the other side of the river, is the famous Ishim River embankment.
A large-scale upgrade of this space, which is among the officially permitted swimming areas in the capital, took place within the framework of the improvement program. If you are on the right bank of the river, you can get to the beach via the Atyrau pedestrian bridge by walking through the open-air amphitheater.
Today, this beach is considered one of the most popular places in the capital for family leisure and immersion in a beach-resort atmosphere during hot weather. The territory is designed taking into account the needs of all categories of visitors. Here there is the Ailand Family Recreation Center, where you can have a great time with your children, and the “Keruen” SEC, which makes this location very popular.
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How to get there and visit -
The City Beach is located at the address: Central Park, bank of the Esil River, Nura district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°09'31"N 71°25'03"E
You can reach the city beach by buses: No. 807, 803, 103, 70, 54, 53, 52, 50, 46, 44, 37, 36, 32, 28, 26, 21, 18, 17, 12, 1a.
For private car owners, parking pockets and parking zones are provided from the side of the central embankment, Turan Avenue, and the adjacent residential area. Additionally, you can use city taxi services via a mobile application.
Admission cost: Entrance to the territory of the Central Beach is paid. The entrance fee for adults is 700 tenge, for children – 300 tenge, and for toddlers under 5 years old, access is free. For certain groups of citizens, including pensioners, people with disabilities, and large families, benefits are provided: entrance for them is free (for large families – provided there is one adult companion for every three children).
The beach infrastructure, rescue posts, mobile outlets, and rentals operate mainly from 10:00 to 22:00 in the summer period.
Visitors are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. The consumption of alcohol, narcotic, and psychotropic substances, as well as carrying any type of weapon, is strictly prohibited on the territory.
There is a capacity limit on the beach: no more than 2500 people can be present here at the same time. When this limit is reached, entrance is temporarily closed to ensure safety.
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History
The history of this recreation spot began back in the Soviet period, when the shoreline of the Ishim River in the area of the old park was a favorite spot for townspeople to swim. Decades later, the territory underwent major changes, becoming one of the five official and sanctioned sites for safe swimming in Astana.
The City Beach officially entered the number of recreation areas permitted by the revision commission, along with the spots Tri Peski, Armina, and Stolichny Dvor. City authorities, together with the Department for Emergency Situations, conducted large-scale clearing, diving, and landscape work here to inspect the bottom. The updated beach turned into a strictly controlled zone, which exemplifies the care taken to create a safe environment for the residents of the capital.
The main idea behind the large-scale reconstruction was to create a protected zone for water sports and family leisure as opposed to unauthorized water bodies. Within the framework of safety programs, rescue and police officers regularly conduct raids, using modern drones to monitor the shoreline.
The issue of children's safety on the water is under strict prosecutorial control, and swimming in unequipped places faces administrative liability and large fines for violators. Over the past years, this facility has fully proven its relevance, becoming a bright landscape signature of left-bank Astana.
Information
The City Beach is arranged as a complex multifunctional space divided into three distinct thematic zones. Excellent conditions have been created here for sports, beach volleyball, sunbathing, renting watercraft, and children's games. For fans of an active holiday, well-kept pedestrian paths are laid out along the bank of the Ishim River, which harmoniously connect with the general walking loop of Central Park. Also, comfortable sun loungers are installed on the territory for an even tan, along with outlets selling soft drinks, corn, and ice cream.
Engineers and lifeguards paid special attention to maintaining cleanliness and safety: the sandy shore is regularly cleaned, and the depth near the shore is made shallow and gentle. For convenience of navigation and information, warning signs and stands with rules of behavior on the water are installed. The duration of stay in the water is regulated by local conditions. Lifeguards strongly recommend swimming no earlier than 2 hours after eating, not swimming past the buoys, not entering the water while intoxicated, and never leaving children unattended.
Detailed description of the object
The well-thought-out infrastructure of the beach includes the following original locations:
• Ticket and entrance group – the main checkpoint from the side of Central Park, where control turnstiles monitor the number of visitors and verify compliance with the limit of 2500 people.
• Sandy beach zone – a spacious coastal sector with clean river sand and a gentle bottom, equipped with stationary sun loungers and shaded pavilions for protection from the sun.
• Volleyball sector – a specialized sports ground with a soft sand pre-surface, designed for active team games and competitions of holidaymakers.
• Boat station – a point for seasonal rental of boats and catamarans, located at the water's edge and allowing for safe water walks along the Esil River.
• Children's play zone – a fenced safe sector with swings and tactile elements, oriented towards comfortable relaxation for parents with young children.
Architecture
The architectural design of the beach is based on the principles of modern eco-urbanism with the integration of elements of beach minimalism. All paths, wooden walkways to the water, and functional zones are subject to a convenient linear layout running along the riverbed. The highlight of the landscape architecture consists of the light shaded pavilions and canopies that protect visitors from the scorching sun. Long-lasting materials were used in the construction of the facilities: wood, granite for the finishing of the embankment parapets, and treated metal. The architectural ensemble fits harmoniously into the coastal zone of Central Park, creating a smooth transition from the attractions to the water surface of the Esil River.
Legend
Among the citizens, there lives a romantic legend about the golden sand that was brought for the arrangement of this beach. It is believed that if a couple in love builds a small sandcastle together on the riverbank during sunset, their common future will be prosperous, and their family union will be strong and unbreakable.
Another legend is connected with the old pedestrian bridge located nearby. It is believed that if you take a barefoot walk along the water's edge near the bridge before an important life step or a difficult decision, the river waves will take away all anxieties and grant a person clarity of mind and good luck.
Conclusion
The City Beach on the Esil River is a magnificent natural bridge connecting the natural freshness of the river with the modern architectural thought of the capital. Visiting this landscape center allows guests of the city to enjoy a pleasant walk and savor a resort holiday right in the center of the metropolis.
The beach remains the main landmark for summer recreation and a healthy lifestyle on the left bank. Tourist routes definitely include this spot in the lists of must-visit places, allowing everyone to fill their day with freshness and tranquility.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Astana Circus;
• Central Square with fountains;
• Astana Arbat;
• Monument to Khan Kenesary;
• Park named after Kemal Ataturk;
• “Zher-Ana” Monument.
Additional information:
• Useful information about Astana;
• Where to go and what to see in Astana;
• Akmola region - information and photos.
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