The festive program marked the opening of the 1st of May Park after the completion of the second phase of the improvement.

      The May 1 Park reopened after the second stage of improvement on Family, Love, and Fidelity Day. A concert, board game competitions, football freestyle training, remote-controlled car races, workshops, and contests with animators took place for the first visitors. The park's appearance has completely transformed: the space was cleared of remnants of attractions and trading points dismantled by the former tenant, and 15,000 cubic meters of garbage were removed. In their place, well-maintained paths in historical layout, a playground, a workout area, a dance floor, and new greenery appeared. “In addition to the improved paths, street lighting supports were added, and surveillance cameras were installed for safety. The park's improvement does not stop here; there will be a third stage, and new locations will appear that can be used for family recreation,” said Denis Skalkin, the first deputy head of the city administration, who attended the park's opening.

      Svetlana Gulayeva, the director of the Nizhny Novgorod Department of Culture, noted that the May 1 Park is not an ordinary square but a place long loved by Nizhny Novgorod residents: “Here, people met, walked, created families, and brought their children and grandchildren. Therefore, we tried to preserve history above all. By order of Yuri Vladimirovich Shalabaev, a huge amount of garbage was removed, paths were replaced, and grass was sown. The most important thing is that electricity was brought in, and security was provided for everyone who relaxes in the park. The park is now also part of the Directorate of Parks and Squares. All festivals, contests, and quests that residents and guests have already loved in other park spaces will take place in this area.”

      According to Alexander Chikaev, head of the city’s Directorate of Parks and Squares, a lot of work was needed to create the new look of the park – the previous management left behind semi-ruined buildings and even tried to remove the paving stones. “Considering that the park is a cultural heritage site, we approached the improvement with maximum care. This was one of the main tasks assigned by the city head. We preserved the layout of the paths, laid new communications, created a workout area, a new stage, and a food court area. Also, soon new non-stationary trading facilities in a unified style, unlike the previous 'shashlychki,' will appear in the food court area,” he said.

      The celebration was attended by deputies who monitored the improvement process. “Look at how many kids and residents there are! I am sure they will get to know the park better now and will come here to relax and stroll. A wonderful place; Kanavino has certainly blossomed lately,” said Nikolai Sataev, deputy chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma. “Of course, this not only beautifies the city but also educates our residents. In fact, what we see today in the May 1 Park is a happy transformation, a farewell to the 'Soviet formation' and the arrival of stylish, intelligent, beautiful recreation. Therefore, residents are satisfied, everyone is happy, and we are, accordingly, too,” said Inna Vankina, chairwoman of the permanent commission of the city Duma on social policy.

      “I have lived here for half my life, so I know this park very well; I can literally walk it by touch with my eyes closed. Even in my childhood, in the 70s and 80s, the park was tired, heavy, sad, gray, and completely abandoned. Now the park has become park-like again; life has returned here, designers have worked, and it’s a completely different picture. The park has a giant history. This park is not only for the Kanavinsky district but also for all city residents, and it is now a tourist spot,” noted city Duma deputy Ruslan Stanchev.

      Nizhny Novgorod residents also highly appreciated the new look of the park. “Great for walks! Just walking in pairs, with children, with strollers, wonderful, very comfortable,” said resident Elena. “I like everything! What it was before and what it is now – it’s a completely different park. Cozy, beautiful, and the playground is gorgeous,” agreed resident Lyubov.

      Luna, who came with her little daughter, appreciated the cleanliness of the space that was previously lacking: “There used to be more dirt, unclear structures, already old. Now it’s been made more civilized. We live here, we were really waiting for the park to be done, and we came right on the opening day.”

      “Super! Everything has been redone, very beautiful and much cleaner. Everything is green-green! It looks like 'Switzerland',” shared the emotions of schoolgirls Victoria, Maria, Veronika, and Alyona. “Our kids played, earned prizes, listened to music. It was great, fun!” said park guest Natalia. “Now it looks more like a park than before. Everything is clean, beautiful. Huge space! Everything is well-kept, the grass is trimmed,” noted resident Alexander.

      Earlier, city head Yuri Shalabaev announced the park's opening on social media. “Cleared of tons of garbage, emergency structures, gaudy and visually noisy buildings, with new lighting, paths, playgrounds, and amenities – the park has changed significantly. Transformations will continue in the future,” he wrote.