At the end of July 2025, landscaping work began at the intersection of Ryskulova and Baitursynov streets in Shymkent. The initiative to create a new green park in this area was voiced by the residents themselves at one of the meetings with the city mayor. Local residents, noting the lack of public recreation areas and green spaces, suggested that the city authorities pay attention to this area. Their voice was heard - landscaping work began in a short time.

The city administration responded promptly to the citizens' request, including the project in the priority work plan. Today, the site has already been fenced, the territory is being planned and the soil is being prepared for planting. In the future, alleys, flower beds, benches, lighting and, possibly, small architecture will appear here - elements necessary for comfortable and safe recreation of city residents.

It is important to note that this project has one key feature - it was not born in the offices of officials, but as a result of a dialogue between the authorities and residents. This approach emphasizes the change in the philosophy of urban management, where the initiative comes from citizens, and the administration acts not just as an executor, but as a partner.

The need for parks and recreation areas in a fast-growing metropolis like Shymkent is growing every year. This is especially noticeable in areas with dense development and heavy traffic, where the population lacks silence, shade and the opportunity to simply walk in the fresh air. The area at the intersection of Ryskulov and Baitursynov is just one of these: a busy transport artery surrounded by residential buildings and retail facilities, until recently did not have any landscaped green area.

Historically, Shymkent has implemented landscaping and improvement projects more than once. For example, in 2024, the city improved the embankments of the Koshkarata River - one of the iconic initiatives aimed at returning the city's lost natural and public spaces. At that time, the main focus was on environmental cleaning, installing new benches and lighting along the river. Similar work was carried out in the Turan microdistrict, where children's and sports playgrounds, as well as family recreation areas, were organized.

However, the current project is different in that it is not part of any national campaign or state plan. It is a response to a specific request from specific people. Residents did not just complain, but proposed a solution, which is especially valuable. Thus, Shymkent is taking a step towards more meaningful urban planning - not from the top down, but from the bottom up.

In addition, this approach strengthens the sense of responsibility among city residents. A park that appeared on the initiative of local residents is more likely to be preserved and cared for by the users themselves. This creates a culture of shared use and care for the common space.

In retrospect, we can recall other examples where local initiatives were effective. For example, in 2022, residents of the Nursat residential area also advocated for landscaping of courtyard areas, after which trees were planted and playgrounds were installed there. This experience, like the current one, showed that public involvement has a positive effect and affects the quality of the urban environment.

The new park, in addition to its aesthetic and ecological functions, will also play a social role. It will be a point of attraction for communication, a place for meetings, recreation, and possibly for holding local events. Reducing the level of street noise, improving the microclimate, and simply creating a pleasant visual space - all this will affect the mood and quality of life of residents of the adjacent neighborhoods.

Shymkent continues to develop as a modern, environmentally sustainable city. But it is important that growth is not accompanied only by construction and an increase in the number of cars, but is balanced with the creation of a high-quality urban environment. Initiatives like the current one are proof of this.

The project at the intersection of Ryskulov and Baitursynov is not just another park. It is an example of dialogue and cooperation between the government and society. It shows that even a local proposal can become a catalyst for positive change if the government is ready to listen, and residents are ready to speak and participate.

In the future, such initiatives may form the basis of a broad city program, "A Square in Every District," where each resident will be able to contribute to the improvement of the environment. This is the path to the formation of not just infrastructure, but an urban community - alive, active and not indifferent to its city.