Yerevan will have three new playgrounds meeting international standards
On May 29, the Kentron Administrative District and the Keron Development Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding to present a new project for the construction of public playgrounds.
During the press conference held at the Kentron District Administration building, the details of the new playground initiative were officially presented.
This initiative is part of the Keron Development Foundation’s strategic focus on territorial development and is being implemented in close partnership with the Administrative district of Kentron .
Speakers at the press conference were the head of the administrative district of Kentron Petros Petoyan and Executive Director of the Keron Development Foundation Vanane Ararktsyan.
For the first time in Yerevan, playgrounds will be constructed that fully meet international standards and serve exclusively as public spaces — a gift to the city, its residents, and especially its children.
The playgrounds will be located in the 6th section of Circular Park (approximately 2,000 sqm), Khachkar Park (about 800 sqm), and Missak Manouchian Park (about 675 sqm). They are designed for children in three age groups: 0–3, 3–7, and 7–12 years old.
Each playground will feature a combination of elements used in leading European cities and unique, conceptual play equipment developed specifically for this project. The design of each playground is based on a thematic concept inspired by Armenian cultural symbols such as the Armenian carpet, the Tree of Life, and the red-spotted trout.
Petros Petoyan emphasized that special attention was given to inclusivity during the design phase. The playgrounds will be accessible to children with disabilities or limited mobility, providing comfortable access points and inclusive play features that accommodate all children, regardless of physical or developmental differences. The spaces will be completely safe and foster integration and development for all.
Environmental harmony was also a top priority. The design process adhered to geodetic surveys, urban planning regulations, and seismic safety standards. Not a single tree will be cut down, and the playgrounds will be integrated seamlessly into the natural landscape, preserving the integrity of green spaces and local ecosystems.
Vanane Ararktsyan noted that several focus groups were conducted during the planning stage, involving mothers, fathers, community members, and influencers. Their feedback and suggestions were incorporated into the design, with particular attention to parental rest areas, access to drinking water, shaded sections, lighting, and safety features.
The projects are being implemented in accordance with environmental principles. Rubber safety surfacing will be made from 100% recycled materials. Most construction materials will be either natural or recycled, and more than half of the play structures will be made from natural wood. All playgrounds will include mandatory waste separation systems.
Experienced partners with expertise in designing and implementing public spaces and playgrounds have been involved in the process. The projects are based on international best practices but have been fully adapted to the specific context of the Armenian environment.
Following the press conference, Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan joined a site visit to two of the playground locations — the 6th section of Circular Park and Missak Manouchian Park — where representatives from the Keron Development Foundation and the Kentron Administration District presented their vision and project details.
