Central Park, also known as Gorky Park, is an urban park located in the Medeu District of Almaty. The park includes different types of trees such as elm, oak, aspen, maple, pine, spruce, poplar, and birch; artificial water reservoirs, attractions such as a water park, movie theater, sports complex, cultural venues, and public catering establishments. There are also children's attractions, which include a children's railway, an aqua park and other entertainment venues. In 2013, the territory of the Central Park is only 42 hectares, while in 1983, it was over 100 hectares.
History
Early history (1850s–1860s) The history of the park goes back to the emergence of civil settlements around the fortification of Verniy and the development of fisheries. For the first time, the park was laid as a public garden by a scientist-gardener G. Krishtopenko in 1856; in the floodplain of the Malaya Almatinka river, as a place for walking and resting officers of the Vernensky garrison. Krishtopenko, who had experience in the Crimea, planted the first deciduous and coniferous trees in the garden. For his work, Krishtopenko drew lovers of gardening-vernentsev Kutaberdin, Sergeev, Chvanov and others. After studying the climatic conditions and the structure of the soil, Krishtopenko came to the conclusion that not only Central Asian plants, but also species characteristic of Central Russia could grow in the garden, as well as in the entire fortification of the city. In 1868, the seedlings and the seeds were delivered to Verniy from the Nikitsky Botanical Garden, and the Penza School of Horticulture in Tashkent.
Baum-Karlu period (1869–1900s)
In the years from 1869 to 1875, a greenhouse was built, flowerbeds were broken, a children's playground was set up for planting, and the Eduard Baum, a school of horticulture was opened for 10-15 pupils. In 1874, Krishtopenko handed over his leadership the brother of the famous forester of Verniy, Eduard Baum-Karlu. Because of this, the park turned into a place of national holidays. The State Garden was intended for the cultivation of fruit, ornamental plants, vegetables, raising silk and the creation of apiaries.
With the creation of the city, the park became a place of relaxation for the citizens. Buffet and kitchens were set up, dance floors and gazebos were built, and yurts for billiards and tables for games were installed. In Tsarist times, the entrance was paid accessed.
Later history (1900s–1980)
During the 1905 Russian Revolution, laborer workers along with the youths held rallies and gatherings at the logs. During the Russian Civil War in 1918, a defensive Red Army line was located in the park. In 1919, an Aytysh was held in the park with the participation of the city Aulie-Ata (present day Taraz). In 2014, a street workout location was launched at the park.
In 1934, the park was reconstructed, recreation centers for workers of Alma-Ata were located on the banks of the deepened reservoir, and attractions were equipped. A unique irrigation and ditch system has been created, covering the entire park. In the eastern part, a zoo was created on the former clover sites. In 1935, the park received name as Gorky Park of Culture and Rest where a monument to Maxim Gorky was erected in 1940. From 1980, the park has been called as Gorky Central Park of Culture and Rest.
Privatization and recent history (1997–present)
In 1997, a contract was signed between the Akimat and the Altyn-Taraz Trade and Finance Company LLP, according to which the LLP received the trust management for a period of five years with the subsequent redemption of the property complex of the park. On 30 January 2004, on the basis of a sale and purchase agreement concluded between TFC Altyn-Taraz LLP and the Almaty Territorial Committee of State Property and Privatization, which acted by power of attorney in the interests of the akimat, the property complex of the Central Park was purchased by the LLP in the privatization procedure. On the registered rights to immovable property and its technical characteristics issued by the Department of Justice of Almaty, the ownership of this property was duly formalized and registered.