VIDEO: Yerevan to Have a Modern Skate Park Soon

Yerevan will soon have a modern public skate park. The construction of the recreational area is already in its final stages. The project has been highly anticipated by skateboarding enthusiasts who can often be seen in the area adjacent to the statue of Vardan Mamikonian. This is the only place that somewhat allows for skating.

"We have been waiting for this skate park for about eight years; this will open a new chapter for skateboarding in Armenia and will elevate it to a new level. It will give us the opportunity to have competitive skateboarding. Here, we will be able to host competitions not only on a national scale but also from all over the world, meaning we can welcome guests," says Emil Sardarayan, president of the Armenian Skateboarding Federation.

About 5,000 square meters of public space is being renovated by the Union of Armenians in Ukraine. This is one of the best examples of community-private cooperation. The project started last year when Mayor Hayk Marutyan signed a contract with the donor, Vilen Shatvoryan, president of the Union of Armenians in Ukraine. The area will feature a medical center, skate rental point, public restrooms, and the green areas released from development will be beautified with unique landscape design.

An energy-efficient policy will be applied, including perimeter lighting using LED systems and solar panels. "A new irrigation network, sewage system, water line, the relocation of electrical wires, and gas lines have been buried underground, and massive concrete works have been carried out. Five cafes have been dismantled, which were not operational and had become a dump," says Grigor Harutyunyan, head of the construction and renovation department at the Yerevan City Hall.

Specialists have applied a comprehensive approach in bringing the project to life; the skate park is also designed for biking, roller skating, and scootering. "The idea is for everyone to find their section, just as we initially intended. Historically, skating has taken place everywhere it's possible, thus flat, inclined areas, as well as broken spaces are necessary. We tried to achieve this here since it's the first, and we didn't construct abrupt segments because we should let this sport develop first. Our approach as landscape design ensures that the appearance is also gentle," notes architect Armen Shatvoryan.

“Years ago, skateboarding was not developing in Armenia, and very few people engaged in it, but now their number is growing day by day, especially since the sport has officially become Olympic. This park has been built at the right time because there are promising skaters who can train and, why not, participate in competitions and bring medals to Armenia,” says Shiraz Khachatryan, vice president of the Armenian Skateboarding Federation.

With community funds, the renovation of the 6th section of the Circular Park has also been initiated. Under a project approved by Mayor Hayk Marutyan, the park, which has been in a state of neglect for decades, is being revitalized. A total area of about 16,000 square meters is being improved.

"This was one of the rare sections of the Circular Park where studies indicated that we could obtain a forested area, and the city hall concentrated its resources on this part. We are getting a wonderful space already, and I believe that very soon we will open this part of the park to our citizens in its entirety," says Avet Poghosyan, head of the Central administrative district.

The renovation program will provide the recreational area with a new irrigation and external lighting system, pathways and tree-lined avenues will be improved, and benches and trash bins will soon be installed, making the entire environment of the park accessible and suitable for individuals with disabilities.

"I would really love for this part to become a favorite spot for our citizens. In general, the Circular Park should take on the role that such forests serve in big cities—for example, Boulogne Forest in Paris or Central Park in New York. In this regard, we are getting a very nice section, and this entire process will continue until we reach the Conservatory Park," emphasizes Avet Poghosyan.

The Circular Park consists of six projected sections with a total area of 31 hectares, of which 50-60% is currently 'occupied' by operators. "Mainly, we have used negotiating tools, and due to discussions with operators, the sections that had been neglected for years have been returned to the community and already have a green appearance," highlights the head of the Central administrative district.

The renovated section of the park extending from Tigran Mets Avenue to Vardanants Street will soon be presented anew, conveniently and safely, to Yerevan residents and visitors. The city authority's initiative to return the park to the public one section at a time is already a reality.