The art zone of the Greek park on the slopes of Primorsky Boulevard was opened after a large-scale reconstruction.
The solemn event was dedicated to the celebration of the 224th anniversary of Odessa, September 2.
The red ribbon was solemnly cut by the mayor of Odessa, Gennadiy Trukhanov, the minister of foreign affairs Pavel Klimkin, the philanthropist who sponsored the park reconstruction, the President of the charitable organization Pantelis Boumbouras, the mayor of Piraeus Yannis Moralis and the Counselor of the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic in Ukraine Alexandros Boudouris.
The Greek park is a gift to Odessa and its citizens from Mr.Boumbouras and his family.
“Odessa is a great city. Wonderful people live here. We Greeks have always loved and continue to love the Black Sea pearl. Today we opened the art zone of the Greek park. This is an open-air museum in which not only money is invested, but also the Greek soul. My family and I are grateful to Odessa for the fact that once it became our second home. And you need to love and decorate your house,” said Pantelis Boumbouras.
In gratitude for the significant contribution to the development of Odessa, charitable activities and patronage the mayor of Odessa Gennady Trukhanov awarded Pantelis Boumbouras with a honorary city award “Order of G. Maraslis”.
“This park is beautiful not only in terms of aesthetics, but also in terms of comfort and accessibility. I am very grateful to the Greek diaspora, builders and all those involved in creating of one of the most beautiful city parks. I also want to thank especially the person, without whose support and constant participation nothing would have happened. He is Odessa citizen, Greek by nationality, who loves equally the city and the country in which he was born, and the city and the country that became his second homeland. This is Pantelis Boumbouras” said the mayor of Odessa during his speech.
“You see this unique park. His whole family is ready to help. When I shake the hand of Boumbouras, I shake the hand of a real Odessa citizen and a patriot of Ukraine”, added Pavel Klimkin.
The event was also attended by delegations of high-ranking diplomats from different countries, guests specially invited from Greece and representatives of the regional and city authorities, honorary citizens of the city of Odessa.
It is worth noting that the reconstruction of the Greek Park began in 2017. The improvement project was approved by the city government.
Earlier here was the Lunar Park, which had fallen into disrepair over the years.
Pantelis Boumbouras took the initiative to start its reconstruction.
The contractor is the construction company “GEFEST”, whose specialists have developed an integrated project.
To prevent landslides on the slope, the builders hammered about 700 piles into the ground and installed a strong retaining wall.
The Greek park is divided into three conventional parts: an open-air art zone, a children playground and a walking part. The total area of the park is 33,908.1 square meters.
The total area of landscaping - 22 925.7 sq.m.
Each part of the park will be equipped with walking terraces, alleys and park furniture. In addition, modern lighting and all the necessary communications (drainage system, sewage system, irrigation system etc.) have been installed on the territory.
Access to the park will be provided through massive stairs from the upper terrace of Primorsky Boulevard, by a modern panoramic elevator and through a tunnel under the Potemkin Stairs connecting the Greek and Istanbul parks.
Also the territory of the park is well-adjusted for the convenience of people with disabilities.
The art zone of the park owes its name to the creative idea of the authors of the project and architects. Going down from the main massive stairs, the park visitors will see copies of ancient Greek statues.
The main attraction is the unique fountain “The Beginning of the Beginnings”, created by a sculptor from Odessa Mikhail Reva. According to the author's idea, the fountain symbolizes the universe. The sculpture of the fountain consists of 150 separate parts that were assembled by hand.
The rest of the Greek Park is planned to be opened in the spring of 2019.
