The opening of a 43.8-hectare eco-park on the outskirts of Kostanay marks a significant event in the region’s environmental and cultural life. The opening ceremony of the park, valued at KZT 660 million, was attended by Regional Akim Kumar Aksakalov, renowned weightlifter and four-time world champion Ilya Ilyin, regional community activists, athletes, and young volunteers.
The new eco-park is located in a forested area of the Michurinsky Rural District in Kostanay District. It is designed to provide residents with opportunities for recreation, sports, and spending time in nature. The project was implemented as part of the nationwide “Taza Kazakhstan” initiative.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kumar Aksakalov emphasised the importance of implementing the Head of State’s directive to establish eco-parks near major cities and regional centres.
The new eco-park features the infrastructure necessary for active recreation. It includes a football field, a workout area, a children’s playground, a running track, and a car park.
The running track is 2,015 metres long and covers an area of 5,030 square metres. The children’s playground occupies 5,050 square metres. The eco-park also features entrance gates and an underpass. The underpass will connect the park with the developing Astana residential area, making it easier for residents to access the new recreational space.
The total cost of the project amounts to KZT 660 million. Construction and landscaping works were completed this year.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kumar Aksakalov highlighted the importance of creating such public spaces.
“Work to develop public spaces in Kostanay is continuing systematically. Last year alone, five parks and public gardens were opened in the city. Next year, efforts to improve the Bereke, Yubileiny, and Konai residential neighbourhoods and transform them into modern public spaces will continue,” the regional akim said.
According to the regional akim, the eco-park will give residents opportunities to engage in sports, spend quality time with their families, and relax in nature. Such spaces also help foster a culture of responsible environmental stewardship.
“Environmental protection is not only about preserving nature but also about creating a comfortable living environment for people. That is why we must pay particular attention to greening the areas surrounding settlements, increasing the number of green spaces, and developing public areas for residents. Such facilities allow families to spend time together, children to grow up closer to nature, and residents to enjoy an active lifestyle,” the regional akim said, highlighting the importance of environmental initiatives.
According to the regional akim, efforts to develop similar public spaces across the region will continue. These initiatives should extend beyond the regional centre to include other cities and rural settlements.
At the opening ceremony, Ilya Ilyin, Honoured Master of Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, four-time world champion in weightlifting, and winner of the Asian Games, congratulated those in attendance and emphasised the importance of sports and a healthy lifestyle.
His participation in the event reflected the goals of the initiative, which aims to promote mass participation in sports and encourage residents to lead more active lives. The new eco-park will allow residents not only to enjoy walks but also to go running and take part in other physical activities.
Several initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and improving environmental conditions are being implemented in Kostanay Region.
According to the regional akim, an eco-taxi service has been launched in Kostanay. The region is also developing renewable energy sources. Currently, two solar power plants and five wind farms are operating in the region. In addition, separate waste collection practices are being introduced in rural areas.
These measures are aimed at developing a green economy, reducing environmental pressure, and fostering environmental awareness.
The new eco-park will provide residents of Kostanay District with opportunities to relax in nature, take walks with their children, and engage in sports. Its infrastructure includes everything needed for comfortable recreation, from walking and running paths to children’s playgrounds and sports facilities.
