A large-scale space for family recreation on the Esil River embankment -
The Central Capital Park, occupying an impressive 104 hectares, is the main recreational zone of Astana. Here, nature harmoniously coexists with futuristic objects: from a "dry" fountain, whose jets shoot straight out from under your feet, to the “Atameken” Ethno-Memorial Complex.
The park has become a real magnet for those looking to escape city noise, offering walks along ponds with swans or active outdoor workouts under the shade of thousands of trees. You can access the park from the right bank of the Esil River via the Atyrau pedestrian bridge.
This place lives in 24/7 mode all year round. In summer, the park transforms into a huge sports and concert venue with free master classes in jiu-jitsu and zumba, and in winter – into a fairy-tale ice kingdom with ski trails and a skating rink. Inside the park is the Ailand Family Recreation Center, where you can spend time with your children. Also located in the park is the amphitheater on the Esil River, which hosts various kinds of performances and concerts.
Central Park is the gathering point for all residents and guests of the capital, where everyone finds their own format of recreation: from a cozy picnic on the lawn to an adrenaline-pumping ride on a roller coaster. Also situated in the park are the capital's Astana Circus and the Keruen entertainment complex for children and adults.
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How to get there and visit -
The Central Park is located at: 4/1 Turan Avenue, right bank of the Ishim River, Nura district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°09'23"N 71°25'07"E
You can enter the park from either bank: from the right – via the famous "Atyrau" bridge, and from the left – through the main entrances from the city highways.
There are several stops located near the park that are easily accessible by public transport. Buses run in the following order: No. 807, 803, 103, 70, 54, 53, 52, 50, 46, 44, 37, 36, 32, 28, 26, 21, 18, 17, 12, 1a.
You can also come here by private car or use taxi services through a special mobile application.
Opening hours: weekdays from 12:00 to 22:00; Saturday – Sunday from 11:00 to 01:00
Contacts: +7 7172 48 27 30
Official park page on Instagram
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History
The park is a peer of many generations of citizens, having gone through a long path of transformation from a classic Soviet park of culture to a modern multimedia space. Throughout its history, it has known periods of quiet and rapid development, but has always remained the main "green spot" on the map.
A major milestone was the large-scale improvement in recent years, when the territory was divided into six thematic zones, including the Olympians' Square and unique mosaic compositions "Seasons".
Today, the park is a symbol of continuity. Old willows planted decades ago now coexist with high-tech irrigation systems and smart lighting. It was here in the 2010s that the culture of mass street sports began to be introduced, turning the central alley into a venue for free Sunday workouts, which over the years have become a kind capital tradition gathering thousands of participants.
Information
The park's infrastructure is designed for recreation of any level of complexity. Extreme lovers choose the "Millennium" or Space Gun attractions, while classics enthusiasts prefer the "French Carousel" with horses, an exact copy of the one standing at the Eiffel Tower. The "Oasis" water park with three pools and a beach area on the riverbank operates on the territory.
For children, the "Vysota" trampoline park, mirror mazes, and "Gammi" rope towns with tracks of varying difficulty are open.
The sports component of the park is impressive: an 11-kilometer bike path, tennis courts of the "Daulet" sports complex, and crossfit areas. The cultural program is centered in the summer amphitheater, where open-air concerts take place.
The park provides everything for comfort: from free playgrounds and mother and child rooms to a food court with trendy trdelniks, Hong Kong waffles, and bubble tea. White swans and ducks live in the park's ponds, becoming a living symbol of this place.
Detailed description of the object
Central Park is an architectural mix of nature and small forms. One of the main novelties is the "dry" fountain, where water disappears into the slabs, causing delight in children. The "River of Time" – a symbolic stream flowing among stones – is laid along the paths. For those who want unusual experiences, the "Upside Down House" operates, where all interior items are fixed to the ceiling, creating ideal conditions for creative photos.
The park also offers creative leisure: here you can paint a plaster figurine in an open workshop and take it as a souvenir. Life is buzzing along the promenade by the amphitheater – the main street food points and relaxation zones with laptops are concentrated here.
Despite the abundance of entertainment, deep in the park you can always find secluded lawns where it is allowed to rest directly on the grass, enjoying silence and fresh air in the very heart of the bustling capital.
Architecture
The landscape architecture of the park is based on zoning, which allows separating the flows of loud attraction fans and silence seekers. Monumental entrance groups and sculptural compositions emphasize the status of the country's main park. Special attention is deserved by the integration of the park into the urban environment through the "Atyrau" bridge, whose bionic shape in the form of fish scales organically complements the natural landscape.
Modern materials are used in the park: rubber coating for jogging tracks, granite slabs, and designer benches, making the space not only beautiful but also durable.
Legend
Among the residents of Astana lives a legend about the "White Swan – Guardian". They say that the oldest swan lives in the park's pond, appearing only to those who came to the park with a pure heart and an important question. If the bird swims close – expect luck in all undertakings.
There is also a belief that the "River of Time" flowing through the park is able to take away sorrows: it is enough to sit by the water and mentally let go of troubles.
The youth believe in the magic of the "French Carousel" – if you make a wish during rotation to music, it will surely come true within a year.
For Astanans, Central Park is a place of power, where every bush and bridge keeps a piece of the personal history of thousands of people who have walked here for decades.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Monument to Khan Kenesary;
• Kemal Ataturk Park;
• Astana Arbat;
• Military History Museum of the RK;
• “Zher-Ana” Monument;
• City Square with fountains.
Additional information:
• Useful information about Astana;
• Where to go and what to see in Astana;
• Akmola region - attractions and photos.
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