Published on: 2026-07-07
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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The All-Russian competition for the best projects to create a comfortable urban environment has become an effective tool for transforming the appearance of settlements. Thanks to it, modern conditions for recreation and walks are created, including active renewal of public spaces by the water. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
“In summer, demand for relaxation by the water increases, so updating embankments is one of the important directions in our work. Moreover, we see high interest from the regions in this area. Since 2019, based on the results of the All-Russian contest for the best projects of creating a comfortable urban environment, 228 embankments across the country have been put in order. These are comfortable spaces where you can walk with your family, do sports, and simply enjoy the views. In total, during the contest, 1609 projects have been selected: 679 parks, 301 embankments, 262 squares, 367 streets and pedestrian zones. We continue this work. By the President’s order, it is necessary to implement 1.6 thousand winning contest projects by 2030 within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life,”” said Marat Khusnullin.
For example, in Ozersk, Chelyabinsk region, the “Energy of Water” project was implemented, which combined images of the atom and the water element. Steel spheres in the form of water molecules, playgrounds shaped like atoms, and the art figures “Ozyorik and Ogonyok” transformed the waterfront area into an interactive space.
In Yukhnov, Kaluga region, as part of the “Key to the Heart” project, an all-season park has been created where a spring, a pond, a river, and the ruins of a monastery are connected by a single route, and the art object “Bell” and duck houses have become symbols of careful attitude towards nature and history.
In the Vladimir region, the “Black Lake” project in Pokrov transformed an abandoned reservoir into a modern recreational hub with bridges, piers, observation decks, and a rescue tower.
In Almetyevsk, Republic of Tatarstan, an eco-park called “Almetyevskoye More” has been developed on an area of 6.88 hectares, featuring piers, berths for SUP boards and catamarans, observation towers for birdwatching, bike trails, and picnic areas.
“Embankments have become one of the most sought-after types of public spaces. Water is a universal natural resource that has a calming and inspiring effect. By the water, people feel freer, open up to communication and relaxation, new social connections arise, and a local identity is formed. By 2030, within the framework of the national project ‘Infrastructure for Life,’ it is planned to implement 30,000 improvement projects. Our common task is to maintain the attained pace and ensure the sustainable development of the urban environment for all residents of the country,” emphasized the Minister of Construction and Housing and Communal Services, Irek Fayzullin.
When designing public spaces, the terrain, hydrology, and local biodiversity are taken into account. Multi-level terraces, amphitheaters, and observation decks for panoramic views are used. Gentle slopes are provided for people with reduced mobility, as well as pedestrian and bicycle routes, relaxation zones with lounge chairs, swings, and pergolas. Modern moisture-resistant and vandal-resistant materials are applied, energy-efficient lighting is installed, along with video surveillance and stormwater drainage. Such work yields economic benefits in the form of increased tax revenues from commercial facilities, enhanced investment attractiveness of settlements, and job creation.
The All-Russian competition is held within the framework of the federal project “Creating a Comfortable Urban Environment,” which began as the party project “Urban Environment” of “United Russia” in 2017. Over the years of the federal project’s implementation, more than 118 thousand territories across the country have been improved, resulting in the creation of over 30.8 thousand jobs and about 7 thousand new points of commercial activity.
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