Vardanyans' Park: Yerevan's Modern Oasis

Vardanyans' Park, officially named Yerevan 2800th Anniversary Park, is a recent addition to Yerevan's urban landscape, inaugurated in May 2019 to celebrate the city's 2800th anniversary. This park, a gift to the city from Mikayel and Karen Vardanyan, occupies a space that was once a neglected part of the English Park. Following the construction of Italy Street in 2002, the area became isolated and deteriorated until the Vardanyan family funded its complete transformation. The park is located in the Kentron district, bordered by Italy, Beirut, Khorenatsi, and Saint Grigor Lusavorich streets, stretching between the statues of Stepan Shaumian and Alexander Miasnikian. The park's design emphasizes Armenian cultural heritage, featuring an obelisk with symbols of the Erebuni Fortress and Yerevan. Visitors can explore the park's network of walkways, adorned with sculptures and water features. The park boasts five types of fountains, including pedestrian fountains, upward jets, rotating fountains, sparkling fountains, and arched fountains, totaling 2,800 jets of water decorated with Armenian aluminum ornaments. A central feature is a map of Yerevan made of pink quartzite, surrounded by fountains, with bronze statues of children symbolizing imagination, care, purity, happiness, and childhood. These statues reflect the images of Yerevan's children from the 1970s and 1980s. Vardanyans' Park provides a refreshing escape from the city. With its blend of natural beauty and artistic elements, the park has become a beloved public space for relaxation and recreation.