Who didn't enjoy a nice swing as a child, such a simple yet amazing activity? If you want to take a trip back to childhood, read on to find out where you can do it in Moscow for free.
One of the largest platforms with swings was built in the summer of 2019 as part of the scheduled improvement of the Lyublino Estate Park. A total of 28 wooden swings faced with decorative larch panels are arranged in a circle. An impressive structure occupying a total of 350 square metres is located on a lawn in the southeastern part of the complex and hidden away from prying eyes with a hedge of trees.
The circular platform and areas leading to the swings are laid with tiles. The swings are located in a secluded area, perfect for relaxing, reading a book, or having a romantic photo shoot. Along with the huge swings, the park has also gained a new boat station, an amphitheatre, a dance floor, and a pavilion for ceremonies, such as weddings and other celebrations.
Location: Bldg. 1, 1 Letnyaya Street
One of Moscow's best children's playgrounds in Gorky Park now boasts an impressive construction called Megakachely ('Mega-Swings') — a complex of 29 swings offering different kinds of swinging and twirling. The Mega-Swings are multifunctional and have no age restrictions: they are suitable for both children and adults.
By the way, the structure holding the swings is a slightly inclined ellipse — an allusion to the Ferris wheel that has been a symbol of Gorky Park for many years. When it gets dark, the swings are beautifully illuminated by every colour of the spectrum, from warm orange tones to mysterious space-like azure.
Location: Bldg. 12, 9 Krymsky Val Street
Brateyevskaya Poyma Park opened in the summer of 2018, following improvement projects in the south of Moscow: the park has several new sports and playgrounds, a sun booth with elegant wooden sun loungers, a summer cinema, and cosy recreation areas. Three of those areas have been equipped with large swings.
One alley has classic swings standing in front of each other: those have regular wooden seats suspended by two cables. Not too far, there is a row of garden swing benches, each under its own cosy tent. Another row of large swings is located next to the embankment under the pergola; they offer a beautiful panoramic view of the floodplain of the Moskva River.
Location: Brateyevskaya Poyma Park
Gigantic panoramic swings are both an attraction and a centrepiece of the park in Khodynka Field. What looks like a simple amusement facility — ten one-seat swings hanging off a circular metal frame — is never empty. And that's because the top of the 10-metre man-made hill offers a stunning view, and the feeling of flying above Moscow is simply breathtaking.
The design of the swing is in line with the aviation theme of the park: the steel construction features red-and-white windsocks that are normally used in airfields. What does it all have to do with planes? Between 1910 and 2003, Khodynka Field was home to the Central Airfield named after M. V. Frunze: what used to be its taxiway strip has now become the central alley of Moscow's new park.
Location: Khodynsky Boulevard
Renovations of Moscow's 850th Anniversary Park in Maryino were completed in the autumn of 2018; the park now has a promenade with convenient paths going down to the river, sports areas (including a skate park and three pump parks), and an amphitheatre for 300 viewers.
Moreover, the pavilion area on the embankment now boasts large hanging swings offering a wonderful view of Moskva River or — if you turn around — beautiful views of the park. These swings mainly attract adults (one swing can comfortably accommodate 2 people) as children prefer playing in one of the three playgrounds nearby. The park also has one other attraction for people of all ages: a bungee.
Location: Moscow's 850th Anniversary Park
After renovations in the summer of 2019, this park also boasts large swings inside wooden arches. They can fit up to three people each: these swing benches are spacious and very similar to garden swings.
The reconstruction of Ivanovsky Forest Park also included children's playgrounds and sports grounds (they were repaired and re-equipped), as well as walking and bicycle paths and lighting systems in the park.
Location: Ivanovsky Park
At the end of July 2019, one of the largest regional parks — the Fruktovy ('Fruit') Park — opened in Western Biryulevo. It offers everything for different kinds of family activities: bike paths, a workout area, board games (chess, ping-pong), children's playgrounds, original art objects, and giant swings.
Location: 15 Vostryakovsky Drive
In Zelenograd, you can find swings in the refurbished Victory Park that opened in September 2019 after scheduled renovations. A boat station with a pier has been restored, and one of the areas adjacent to the embankment of the Large Pond now has a large swing in a metal geometric frame.
The swings will certainly attract park visitors, although its main attraction is still the multi-step Cascade fountain with artistic lighting.
Location: 1 Central Prospect, Zelenograd Administrative District
My Region programme of the Moscow Mayor offers equal development terms for all city districts considering their specifics. The programme takes into account the opinions and needs of residents of specific districts, builds new spaces for recreation, sports, and cultural entertainment, renovates old ones, and creates a convenient urban environment. From now on, a comfortable and modern city is not just about the city centre.
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