Koziy Park

If you are looking for a quiet and atmospheric place for a walk, pay attention to Razgrad Park, affectionately known by locals as “Kozy Park” (Goat Park). Located in the city of Oryol, this green space is nestled comfortably on the left bank of the Oka River. Russia is famous for its shady squares, and this place is no exception.

Goat Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The park received its official name in honor of the Bulgarian sister city of Razgrad, but its folk name recalls the times when residents of nearby houses grazed domestic animals here. Today, it is a picturesque recreation area in the Sovetsky District, stretching between the Bridge of Friendship of Peoples and the railway bridge.

The century-old trees are the pride of Kozy Park. Majestic oaks, reaching up to 170 years of age, grow in the center of the territory. The park is beautifully landscaped with lindens, birches, and ashes, while a small beach makes it a popular spot for relaxing by the water during the warmer months.

For those planning their route, it is important to know that Kozy Park is an open public area. There are no dedicated ticket offices or information desks on the territory, as access to the park is free for everyone.

Kozy Park offers all the conditions for a peaceful and contemplative holiday. You can stroll through the shady alleys, enjoying the fresh river air and views of the Oka. Be sure to find the ancient oaks in the central part of the park—these giants provide a wonderful backdrop for memorable photos and allow you to touch the city's living history.

In summer, many visitors come here to sunbathe on the small beach or have a family picnic on the grass under the tree canopies. The park is also great for active recreation: it is a convenient place for morning jogs or outdoor yoga. Although the old concert stage is no longer used as actively as before, the park space itself still offers a sense of seclusion and peace right in the middle of the urban rhythm.

Finding Kozy Park is quite simple, as it is located in the central part of the city. You can get here on foot, walking from Gorky Street or along the picturesque left bank of the Oka River. The park is situated on the stretch between the Bridge of Friendship of Peoples and the railway bridge, making it a prominent landmark.

If you are using public transport, numerous buses and minibuses that stop in the Sovetsky District near the bridges will suit you. From the city's central square, a taxi ride will take only about 10 minutes. For those who prefer a private car, parking is available on the streets adjacent to the park area.

The history of this place wonderfully combines a rural past with urban development. Until the 1960s, a private residential sector was located here, and locals used the lush meadows by the river for grazing livestock. It was thanks to the goats grazing here that the park received its famous folk name, which has survived to this day.

The modern appearance of the square began to take shape in the 1950s. Renowned architects V. V. Ovchinnikov and B. V. Antipov worked on its landscaping under the general supervision of P. A. Orlov, the dean of the local pedagogical institute. During that period, linden, birch, poplar, and ash trees were planted here, which today provide dense green shade. Notably, unique oaks over 170 years old were preserved in the center of the park.

The official name—Razgrad Park—appeared later. It was given in honor of the Bulgarian city of Razgrad, which is a sister city of Oryol. In the Soviet years, it was a lively place: there was a stage, movie screenings and concerts were held, and the alleys were decorated with amusement rides. Today, the park has become a more peaceful and meditative spot while retaining its historical significance.

Typically, a leisurely walk through Kozy Park takes visitors about 1 to 2 hours. This is quite enough time to slowly walk through all the alleys, sit on a bench by the water, and admire the ancient oaks.

If you plan to have a picnic on the grass or spend time on the small beach during the summer, it is worth setting aside half a day for your visit. The park's atmosphere is perfect for a long rest and reading books in the fresh air, away from the city bustle.

You can visit Kozy Park at any time convenient for you, as it is open to citizens and tourists 24 hours a day. There are no gates or fences that close at night, making it accessible for early morning workouts or late evening walks.

Since official schedules for public spaces can change depending on the season or city events, visitors are encouraged to periodically check information on the city's official tourism portals.

Exploring the surroundings of Razgrad Park will allow you to dive deeper into the city's cultural heritage. Within walking distance are many monuments dedicated to prominent figures and important historical milestones of the region.