Park of Kasym Kaysenov
The park’s history
The park in Ust-Kamenogorsk, affectionately known as the city's most beautiful, has a rich history of name changes and transformations. A century ago, the very land that the park now occupies held the Intercession Cathedral, a bustling market square, and the People's House – a hub for leisure and culture. In 1934, during a massive grain harvest, the local residents faced overwhelming challenges. The Communist Party's leader, Sergei Kirov, came to their aid and delivered an impassioned speech that left a lasting impression on the citizens. In honor of his speech, it was later inscribed on a monument dedicated to him. Kirov also proposed replacing the market with a garden, and in 1935, after Kirov's passing, the park officially came into existence. Over 4,500 plants and trees were planted in this place, and it became known as the Park of Kirov.
After the dissolution of the USSR, the park was in a state of disrepair, with aging trees and worn-out paths. In 2001, it was designated as an important site within the East Kazakhstan Regional Architectural and Ethnographic Museum-Reserve. Substantial renovations were carried out, including the construction of a chapel to replace the Intercession Cathedral that had been demolished in the 1930s. Notable additions included the Alley of Fairy Tales, the Alley of Newlyweds, and Kazakhstan's longest bench. The Alley of Fairy Tales features stone sculptures of beloved characters from Russian, Kazakh, and global folklore, such as Aldar Kose, Alyonushka, Baba Yaga, the Little Mermaid, and others.
What else to see in the park?
Within the park, you can find reconstructed Kazakh dwellings from the 19th and 20th centuries, offering a glimpse into the lifestyles of that era. The open-air exhibition extends to include residential structures of Russians, Tatars, and Belarusians. Visiting the park provides an opportunity to explore various architectural styles and learn about the daily lives of different ethnic groups. A highlight is the house once inhabited by the renowned Russian writer Pavel Bazhov, who played a significant role in educating the local population during his time in Ust-Kamenogorsk.
The park boasts serene ponds and fountains, set amidst a lush backdrop of diverse flora. In 2009, the park's sculpture collection welcomed a bust of the celebrated Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, symbolizing the friendship between Kazakhstan and India.
Since 2019, the park has been dedicated to Kasym Kaysenov, a prominent Kazakh and Soviet writer who played a vital role in the partisan movement during World War II and helped liberate political prisoners from concentration camps. Kaysenov authored approximately 30 books and was a member of the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan.
Year after year, the park undergoes continuous improvements, with enhancements in lighting, path maintenance, and a well-functioning security system. Both residents and visitors cherish the park for its inviting atmosphere of comfort and tranquility.
How to get there?
Address: Kazakhstan, Ust-Kamenogorsk, 29 Beibitshilik St.
You can get to the park by buses #53 and 54 or minibuses #230 and 261.
Opening hours:
Daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (in summer the park is open until 9:00 PM)
Other tourist attractions near the park:
- Park of Jambyl Jabaev
- East Kazakhstan Regional Museum of Local History
- East Kazakhstan Regional Architectural and Ethnographic Museum-Reserve
- East Kazakhstan Regional Museum of Art
- Republic Square
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