Nizhnekamsk residents supported SIBUR's project for the large-scale renovation of the Petrochemical Park.

      The updated park will become a favorite attraction in Nizhnekamsk, with reconstruction set to be completed in 2027 — by the 60th anniversary of "Nizhnekamskneftekhim."

      Photo: provided by the press service of "Nizhnekamskneftekhim"

      Public discussions dedicated to the renovation project of the Oil Chemists Park were held at Lyceum No. 31, which will be implemented by SIBUR in 2026-2027. Residents approved the updated concept. To develop the concept, the company engaged "Project Group 8," which is working on the project in collaboration with the city administration and the Institute for Urban Development of Tatarstan. The team already has successful projects in Nizhnekamsk: the "Sem'Ya" park and the embankment of the Red Key.

      provided by the press service of "Nizhnekamskneftekhim"

      — The park must retain its status and significance. It is an important place for the city of oil chemists, bringing people together. We are focusing on the best examples of park landscaping in Russia and the world, while also creating a unique design code for the park — with smooth lines and references to chemistry, molecules, and the constructive connections between them, — said Dmitry Smirnov, General Director of "Project Group 8."

      The hearings began with the history of the project. Victoria Dergach, a specialist from "Project Group 8," explained that they first conducted an online survey of the city's residents, then met with various groups of residents, and also conducted mini-interviews right in the park to take into account the requests of Nizhnekamsk residents as much as possible.

      — The Oil Chemists Park is one of the most beloved and largest recreation areas. The company has decided to completely renovate the park: new spaces for all ages, fountains, sports zones, and an exhibition center will appear. I am confident that after the renovation, the park will become a center of attraction. Last year, we together poured the ice rink for the first time and set up a new Christmas tree — the youth really liked it. As for the park's content, we will, of course, invite small and medium businesses: family cafes, coffee shops, and rental points. Additionally, we will separately prepare and defend the budget for the park's maintenance in the Ministry of Finance of the Republic and coordinate it with the President of Tatarstan, — noted the head of the Nizhnekamsk municipal district, Mayor of Nizhnekamsk Radmir Belyaev.

      provided by the press service of "Nizhnekamskneftekhim"

      The chief architect of Nizhnekamsk, Emil Sirazetdinov, presented the concept in detail. The project involves expanding the area — primarily due to new parking lots, with a total of three in the park, providing 154 parking spaces.

      One of the key problems that has been resolved is storm drainage and the constant stagnation of water both in the park itself and in the adjacent areas. In addition, the architects found an optimal place for a dog walking area, fully considering the requests of residents.

      An important change will concern lighting: the park will feature full functional lighting to ensure comfort and safety in the evening. Canopies will be erected in the main square of the park, providing shelter from the heat and rain. There, points for public catering, a rental point, and public restrooms will be organized. Pergolas will also appear in the small square, and a universal pavilion for master classes will be built there.

      Special attention will be paid to greenery in the park: adult trees will be preserved as much as possible, shrubs will be transplanted to form buffer zones, and the amount of greenery will be significantly increased through new plantings.

      A separate path will be allocated for cyclists, isolated from pedestrian routes — this will make movement safe for everyone.

      provided by the press service of "Nizhnekamskneftekhim"

      In addition, the park will be equipped with rolled turf and an automatic irrigation system. Winter maintenance has also been thought out from the very beginning: promenades will be designed so that cleaning equipment can work freely and effectively clear snow. The park will also feature a sports core, including a center for early physical development, active sports zones, and an inclusion zone.

      — We have tried to make the updated Oil Chemists Park interesting for everyone: children, adults, youth, and the elderly, as well as to ensure that it is in demand throughout the year, both in summer and winter. To this end, we will create several functional zones in the park for family recreation, active leisure, as well as public events and cultural festivals. We have also provided for convenient parking, bike paths, dining areas, and dog walking zones, so that the time spent in the park is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. And, of course, during the renovation of the Oil Chemists Park, which will begin at the end of May and be completed in 2027, we will take into account all the wishes of residents expressed today during the public discussions, — emphasized Stanislav Martynenko, head of the "Nizhnekamskneftekhim" service for relations with state authorities of Tatarstan.

      Among such proposals was the wish to preserve the theme of petrochemistry in the visual design of the park, as well as the contribution of the first builders of Nizhnekamsk to the establishment and development of the city.

      — I think such meetings are very important. When the opinions of residents are heard — it's great. The concept is very good, I liked it. It's cool that we will have a platform for youth development. We will be able to study the history of Nizhnekamsk, the history of the park, even something about chemistry and physics — everything that interests us. We live in Nizhnekamsk, we have a city of factories, with major enterprises nearby, and we, the younger generation, really want to learn the history of our city, the republic, and our great country, — said Amina Ramazanova, a 7th-grade student at Lyceum No. 31.

      provided by the press service of "Nizhnekamskneftekhim"

      — To be honest, at first, Nizhnekamsk met this company with distrust. But seeing how successfully many social projects are being implemented and how the company continues the work of Nizhnekamsk petrochemists, investing in the development of the city, we are confident that if they take on something, they do it excellently, — admitted Khamza Bagmanov, an honorary citizen of Nizhnekamsk.

      Earlier that same day, specialists from "Project Group 8" conducted a tour of the park, during which residents of Nizhnekamsk learned how the concept of updating the Oil Chemists Park was formed, as well as how its implementation aligns with the identity of Nizhnekamsk residents and the development trajectory of the urban spaces adjacent to the park.