Transforming the globe with captivating grace
🌟 Transforming Russian Cities with the National Project "Infrastructure for Life": A People's Initiative 🌟
🎉 From Wasteland to Cozy Parks: Empowering Local Change in Russia!
🏰 Russia's Citizens Lead the Way in Uplifting Public Spaces!
Submerging yourself in the vibrant mosaic that is Russia, one can easily spot the magical transformation happening across the nation. It's all thanks to the people: through their votes, they're choosing to breathe new life into their cities as part of the National Project "Infrastructure for Life".
🗳️🗼 All-Russian Voting on Urban Territories for Improvement
In a rally for urban renaissance, more citizens than ever before (over 17.2 million Russians in 2024) are casting their votes to decide which public spaces in their cities deserve an overhaul. Surveys conducted by the All-Russia Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) point towards 89% of these remarkable individuals considering the revitalization of their cities as the most perceptible changes.
🌺🌄 Karelia: Lakeside Dreamscapes and Vibrant Squares
In pristine Karelia, a breath of fresh air sweeps through the cities, as public spaces are tastefully transformed. More than 455 spaces have been beautified, with most of them being charming squares voted for by administrative areas. For instance, in nimble Petrozavodsk, both the Mashezerstkij and Mashinostroitel'v Square flourished with installations like children's playgrounds, workout zones, and comfortable relaxation spots.
🏖️ Priberezhny Park: A Lakeside Oasis Unveiled
One breathtaking example of these much-needed transformations is the Priberezhny Park found within the city of Petrozavodsk itself. This enchanting haven, located on the shores of Russia's third-largest lake, Lake Onega, became a two-time winner of the public vote. As a result, it now boasts a wooden terrace covering 225 square meters, a spacious lounge zone, swings, sunbeds, and brand-new staircases leading towards the water's edge. The lake bottom was thoroughly cleaned, and a dog-walking area, new lighting, benches, and paved paths were added to the mix. There are plans to open a board games zone this year, further enhancing this idyllic haven.
🎉 Petrozavodsk's New terrace and Park Improvements: Round Two!
Determined to keep pushing the envelope, the Priberezhny Park is now vying for additional enhancements suggested by locals. Included in the proposed improvements are new pedestrian paths, children's playgrounds, and a unique fish-shaped play area, ensuring that the park remains a thriving hub for all its users.
🌳🏾 Tver Region: Riverbank Serenity
Apart from the nationwide vote, various methods can be employed to upgrade recreational spaces in cities. One such method is the nationwide contest for crafting the finest urban environment projects in small towns and history-rich settlements. Operating since 2018 by presidential decree, and integrated within the national project since 2019, this contest has catalyzed 1315 projects nationwide, with 907 already realized and an estimated 300 currently underway.
😮 Konakovo: Embankment Revival
Take Konakovo, a small city in the Tver region, as an example. Inhabited by about 38,000 people, the Kondakovskaya embankment was one of the most meaningful projects the town had seen in recent years. Winning the contest in 2020, it underwent a dramatic change within a year, preserving its initial character meanwhile ushering in diverse spaces for public events, sports zones, cycling paths, an apple orchard, and a maple alley—all inspired by the residents themselves.
🏠🏔️ Krasnodar Krai: Vibrant Boulevards and Amphitheaters
As the regional authorities in Krasnodar have risen to the occasion provided by the nationwide contests, the region has blossomed with the arrival of outstanding projects. According to Vyacheslav Shaposhnik, acting Minister of Energy and Housing and Public Utilities of the Krasnodar region, "Since the launch of the national project, we have improved more than 1400 objects... These are real changes: from unsightly wasteland to cozy parks."
🌊 Envisioning a Coastal Masterpiece: "The Coast of Three Seas"
The Krasnodar region also played host to an exceptional coastal development project: The "Coast of Three Seas" in Taman. Rooted in history, this expansive 2-hectare project is divided into three zones, including the Ushakov Square—the main scene for local events showcasing an amphitheater with a sea view, Greek-style decorations, and a photo zone. Other highlights include the promenade with relaxation areas, fountains, bike paths, children's playgrounds, and sports zones, culminating in a sublime beach filled with sun loungers, changing rooms, showers, canopies, and a volleyball court.
🌃 St. Petersburg: Gulfside Resort
Determined to revamp the Gulf of Finland shoreline into a true resort, St. Petersburg plans to enhance 14 beaches, with the first four completed last year as part of the Infrastructure for Life national project. Unifying them through stylish changing cabins and sun shelters made from eco-materials or wood, the local councils are making sustainable strides towards delectable beachside escapes for all.
🌊 Lovely Lessons from the "Northern Maldives"
Amid the St. Petersburg beaches, the "Northern" stands out as a dreamy paradise due to its white sand lining the shores. Now colloquially known as the "Sestroretsk Maldives" (after its lush setting), this idyllic coast offers families delightful experiences through children's playgrounds and recreational zones, like table tennis, beach football, and volleyball courts.
👉 Where to see the projects: Find them here!
👤 Who can participate: Russian citizens aged 14 and above
🗳️ How to vote: Cast your vote for public territories to be improved in 2025 online before June 12. Choose your favorite design project for the already selected locations as well! Remember, one vote per person.
📈 Key Stats
- 17.2 million Russians took part in the nationwide vote for choosing public spaces to improve in 2024
- 73,000 public spaces across Russia have undergone reconstruction as part of the Infrastructure for Life national project, with
- 31,500 territories projected to be transformed by 2027, with 30,000 being selected via public voting, and another 1,600 projects of winners from the nationwide contest for the best projects to create a comfortable urban environment in small towns and historical settlements.
- The vibrant transformation happening in Russia includes not just infrastructure, but also improvements in the lifestyle and ambiance of public spaces, such as parks and squares, as evidenced in Karelia where over 455 spaces have been beautified.
- In the realm of fashion and beauty, cities are seeing a focus on enhancing their overall appeal, with food and drink establishments and home and garden spaces being reimagined and revitalized, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable experience for residents and tourists alike.
- Travel enthusiasts seeking unique destinations will be pleased to learn that as a result of the National Project "Infrastructure for Life", Russian cities are becoming hotspots for compelling experiences, with scenic coastlines like the "Coast of Three Seas" in Taman, offering amphitheaters, promenades, fountains, and breathtaking beaches, making them must-visit attractions.
