Seven non-obvious places in Sokolniki Park that you should definitely visit

From hunting grounds to a modern cultural center

To get a sense of the park’s atmosphere, you need to familiarize yourself with its history. In the 14–15 centuries in these places there was a dense forest, through which the Stromynskaya road, i.e. the way to Suzdal and eastern lands-ran. According to the legend, it was from here in 1382 that Dmitry Donskoy left to gather troops against Tokhtamysh. In the 17 century the territory turned into the favorite hunting grounds of the tsars-especially Alexei Mikhailovich, then Peter I and Alexander I. Falconry was best of all here, hence the name Sokolniki (Note: “sokol” is the Russian word for falcon). By the 19 century Sokolniki became a place of folk festivities, where all classes of Moscow mingled.

The modern history of the park began in 1931, when Sokolnicheskaya Grove was officially declared a city park of culture. After the desolation of the times of revolution and civil war, large-scale works were carried out here: ponds were cleaned, alleys were tidied up, concert grounds were built. During the war years the park did not stop working: during the hardest time in 1941 it was closed to the public, but three rifle and one tank divisions were formed here. And in the summer of 1942, the symphonic bandstand and dance veranda began to work.

During the thaw, the park became a center of international communication, the famous 1959 American National Exhibition was held. Khrushchev and Nixon compared Soviet and American Pepsi-Cola (Khrushchev recognized the victory of our drink), had “kitchen debates” about capitalist and socialist economics. Here they dined in a kebab house equipped with state-of-the-art mechanical braziers. By the way, the kebab house still exists.

The modern Sokolniki Park includes 16 workout courts, five outdoor gyms, five multifunctional sports grounds, two summer swimming pools, winter skating rinks with artificial and natural ice.

Ecozone near the Golden Pond

The first non-obvious spot, but 100 percent a must-see, is the new ecozone near the Golden Pond. Not so long ago, the beauty of nature was spoiled by mud on the paths. In bad weather, this place could only be appreciated with rubber boots on. Now around the pond there is a wooden boardwalk with paths, ecodecking. The paths follow the old footpaths because that were the ways where the people felt comfortable walking.

The trees and shrubs have been carefully preserved. Transparent igloo-like geodome arbors fit into the green landscape and do not disturb the harmony of nature. The main material is wood and the space seems to merge with the forest, creating a very comfortable area with an original design solution.

“There’s an all-season venue for chamber meetings with the Quiet Zone concept in mind. There are sun loungers and benches for relaxing by the water. Traditionally, on the bank of the Golden Pond local residents used to play sports-a new sports zone has been equipped for them,” Sokolniki Park Director Andrei Zheleznyakov says.

Ecomaterials and unusual design for children’s playgrounds

There are many children’s playgrounds in the park, and they are not typical, each one is with an individual visual solution.

The area by the Golden Pond is a plastic-free children’s world. The wooden structures resemble nests, which is why the park staff call this playground “nests” in a homely way. Everything is made of unpolished wood that is warm to the touch and smells like a forest.

Next to the House of Children’s Creativity there is the “Taiga” playground. It gots its name from its design and materials, the play area is mostly made of wood, too. And next door is another children’s area, a bright and ironic playground with giant colored pencils. During the vacations — it’s just right: put aside the school pencil case and notebooks and climb here until late in the evening, go down the slide and hide in the colored pencil houses.

Attention! Please study safety rules, age limits and guidelines at playgrounds.

Flowery places

The Lilac Garden is the perfect place for a date, a stroll and a retreat. The stone at the entrance reminds: the garden was laid by Komsomol members in 1958, but the first lilac bushes were planted in 1938 by students of the factory school. In the 1990’s the garden turned into a wild thicket because lilacs were broken for bouquets, the paths were overgrown with grass. But now the garden is in its best shape: old bushes were cured, new varieties were planted, Hungarian lilacs for hedges and conifers for greenery in winter were added. Connoisseurs will find here rare varieties of lilacs, such as “Victory Day”, “Alexei Maresiev” with propeller-like petals, and the two-colored variety “Sensation”.

Lilacs only bloom in May, but the Lilac Garden is in bloom all year round. Snowdrops and crocuses break through here in early spring, and in May the air is thick with lilac fragrance. Tulips are selected in the tone of lilacs: purple, pinkish, white. During the warm season, the flowers succeed each other.

The Lilac Garden has a family zone, a grass recreation zone (that’s where you can lie on the lawn!) and an art space with sculptures by Boris Machkov: these are figures of a girl, young lovers, a family and a mother with a baby. They are dedicated to love and motherhood.

Another flowery spot is the large rose garden. And not only roses grow there, primroses, phlox, peonies, in fact, it is also a garden of continuous blooming. Especially good peonies are those of the variety “Festiva Maxima”. “These are terry, white, red veined flowers with an unparalleled fragrance. The name of this variety is associated with the World Festival of Youth and Students, to the beginning of which the opening of a large rose garden was timed,” the staff of Sokolniki Park tell. There are rhododendrons growing in the large rose garden and in the Lilac Garden. The flowering season is from April to mid-June.

Creativity and self-discovery for children and adults

A building with a red facade and white columns stands at the end of a shady alley. It got such an unusual look in 2004 during the reconstruction, although it was built in the 1950s. It is worth reaching because of the unusual architecture. But not only that! It has everything for harmonious development of children and teenagers: English, math, dance and choreography, piano, it’s not a complete list of clubs and sections.

And this season it will host workshops and lectures for adults on psychology, self-knowledge and even neurographics. Neurographics is a type of art therapy where participants draw lines and shapes that harmonize their psychological state. There are many scientific and educational programs: about space, for the Day of Cosmonautics, about winter sports, for the Day of Biathlon. Please monitor events and lectures on mos.ru and on the official website of Sokolniki. Sign up as there are so many free workshops going on in the park.

Everybody to the beach and barbecue

Two swimming pools are planned to be opened in Sokolniki this year. These will be equipped modern beach areas. There you can organize yourself a mini vacation in the weekend or even in the middle of the week.

For those who are not ready to stand in traffic and drive out of town, there are picnic spots. They are different, each one can accommodate up to 20 people, everything is equipped to relax with kebabs, not to work in sweat for the sake of a couple of pieces of fried meat. Pre-registration is required.

Health trail and sports

There is a health trail in Sokolniki. Its length is two kilometers and 750 meters, which is about four thousand steps. It’s a great workout. In addition, there are sports fields along the trail. You can choose one to suit your strength and taste. On the grounds there are various exercise machines.

Dance floors and festivals

All traditional holidays are celebrated in Sokolniki: New Year’s Eve, Shrovetide, Easter, Children’s Day-details on the park’s website. The festivities take place despite the fact that its downtown area is now undergoing an active phase of improvement.

The dance floor on the Sandy Alley near the Children’s Art House is a favorite space that often hosts major holiday events. Here they renovated the stage, laid tile, added swing benches, and built enclosed pavilions.

The second dance floor is more chamber-like. It is located in a picturesque setting by the Lower May Pond. Radio discos and dance classes under the Moscow Longevity program are held here. Yes, those over 60 are giving the younger ones a head start.

Philosophy of the park

“Sokolniki Park is a harmony of nature and culture, respect for history and openness to new ideas,” the Park Director Andrey Zheleznyakov said. Sokolniki Park is a pristine forest and well-groomed flowerbeds, winter and summer sports, children’s and adult activities, active recreation and relaxation, i.e. exactly what the demanding residents of the capital expect from a modern park.

The park’s birthday

On May 16, Sokolniki Park turns 94 years old. On this day in 1931, the “On the organization of a cultural recreation base in the territory of Sokolnicheskaya Grove” was approved, and the grove immediately received the status of a city park. A great reason to come to Sokolniki! By the way, on this day there will be a free master class “Overcoming the fear of public speaking”, which will be led by a professional actor and director.