Kuzminsky forest park: one of the largest green areas in Moscow

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Kuzminsky Forest Park is one of the largest green oases in the capital. The Park of Culture and Leisure was created on the site of an old manor complex. What is the history of this place, is it possible to have an interesting and fun time here today?

Kuzminki Estate

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 comes from the name of Kuzma, the owner of the mill on the Goledyanka River. The river winds through the park even today, 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 G. Stroganov was the owner of the estate. Later, the estate passed to the Golitsyn family. The new owners of the estate did not deprive the Kuzminsky forest park of their attention either. A large green garden is being landscaped, a cascade of 4 ponds appears here. The park itself is designed in the French style, on its territory 12 convenient paths for walking are laid, which are connected together in the center, like the rays of the sun. In the middle of the nineteenth centuryThe Golitsyns cast iron gates at their own Ural plant, which are installed on the estate before the beginning of the linden alley.

Modern history of the park of culture and recreation

In 1917 the Kuzminki estate and 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 test site 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 cleaning and degassing the land in the Kuzminsky forest park. In 2001, the EMERCOM of Russia conducted a study of the soils of the territory of the former landfill. 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 on the territory of 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.

Nature of Kuzminki Park

Kuzminsky forest area covers a total area of 1189 hectares. The territory of 375 hectares is a park of culture and leisure, landscaped and open to visitors. The Moscow part of the recreation area is included in the historical natural area of Kuzminki-Lyublino. Most of the park is forested. grow herevarious types of trees. The most remarkable plantations are pines, birches and black alders. Despite its proximity to civilization, the Kuzminsky forest park boasts an impressive diversity of wildlife. Squirrels, foxes, hedgehogs, hares, moles live here. The ponds are home to various species of fish and amphibians. While walking through the forest park, you can hear the voices of a variety of birds. The Tawny Owl, Kinglet, Lesser Flycatcher, Siskin, Yellow and many other species live here.

Interesting sights

Unfortunately, the main manor house has not survived to this day and today a building built in 1930 stands in its place. Tourists will not be able to see the center of the ancient estate, since today this area is closed for reconstruction and surrounded by a high fence. Perhaps, very soon, the wing of the manor house and the “new” building built in its place will be opened for visiting. But everyone can take a look at the Church of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God, a house on a dam, a horse yard, a music pavilion, a kitchen, ancient grottoes and some other interesting objects. It is hard 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 estate life, the Golitsin estate, carriages, and literature.

Recreation and entertainment for every taste

In the summer, the Kuzminsky forest park becomes the venue forvarious festivals. On the territory of the recreation area there are cafes, tents with snacks and drinks, souvenirs. The real highlight of the park is the boat-cafe "Melnik Kuzma", floating on the water surface of the Upper Pond. In the warm season, it also offers rental of boats and catamarans. An amusement park is open for young visitors. On the territory of the recreation area there are playgrounds. On weekends and holidays, animation programs and educational excursions, music concerts are held. In 2005, Kuzminsky Park became the official residence of Father Frost.

How to get to Kuzminsky park?

The recreation area is spread over several residential microdistricts and administrative districts at once. The main entrance to the park is located from the side of Kuzminskaya street, where once there was a legendary linden alley. For the convenience of visitors, there are entrance gates in several parts of the recreation area. From which side is it most convenient to enter the Kuzminsky forest park, how to get here? From the metro station "Ryazansky Prospekt" you can take bus number 29 or fixed-route taxi number 429 to the stop "Paustovsky Museum". From the Kuzminki metro station, you can get on route No. 471 to the Chugunnye Vorota stop, or walk about 10 minutes.