Isopuisto Landscape Park is not just the largest in Kotka (it spreads over eight hectares), but also one of the oldest. At the end of the 18th century the foundation of the future St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Orthodox Church was laid, the first trees were planted then, and gradually a real park was formed around the church. At that time it was called Konstantininpuisto, or Konstantinovsky Park, in honor of Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich. By the way, St. Nicholas Church is also considered the oldest building in the city, it is perfectly preserved to this day and even continues to operate. Near the temple installed a sculpture of an elderly woman on the bench, which, according to legend, saved the shrine from imminent destruction. The monument to Mary Purple has now become one of the park’s landmarks.
Isopuisto Landscape Park is not just the largest in Kotka (it spreads over eight hectares), but also one of the oldest.
Since the second half of the 19th century the park lands have been used for the sawmill industry. Trees and bushes were ruthlessly cut down, and on the territory of the park was placed a warehouse of lumber and partially built up. Restoration of the neglected areas began in 1888, but it was quite spontaneous. The territory was landscaped, focusing mainly on the already paved paths and alleys. Two years later the park came back to life, and in 1914 it received its modern name – Isopuisto.
The next stage of reconstruction took place in the 1960s, when a detailed project was developed, in full accordance with which the work took place. The park held a creek, arranged the children’s playground, and created a field for ball games and mini-golf. Finally, in the 1980s, the final phase of work was carried out, as a result of which Isopuisto acquired its modern appearance.
Description of the park
Isopuisto Park is designed in the best traditions of English landscape design. In its design, natural features have been taken into account and all the objects of value have been preserved. Carefully trimmed bushes depicting exotic plants and animals, perfectly smooth green lawns, stone paved paths, century-old mighty trees – modern transformations are perfectly blended into the natural landscape.
In the northern part of the park there is a small pond, which is favored by wild herrings, and in the western part there is a high rock, densely overgrown with vegetation.
The main highlight of Isopuisto Landscape Park is a huge flowerbed with over a thousand varieties of flowers. These are both local plants and exotic flowers brought to Kotka from warm countries. This combination of flowers from different climatic zones keeps the flowerbed bright and blooming throughout the warm season.
The territory of the park is decorated by several sculptural compositions. In addition to the monument to the elderly defender of St. Nicholas Church, you can see here a monument to the famous physicist A. ะก. Popov, as well as the memorial “Defenders of the Three Isthmus.
In Isopuisto come not only for contemplation, this park has long been a favorite place for recreation and active leisure of citizens and, of course, tourists. There are two playgrounds for children, a sports field, an area for walking dogs, and even a small swimming pool. On numerous lawns citizens organize picnics, play active games or just lie in the sun with a book.