«We are breaking ground in this area»: the first inclusive boulevard in the city has been opened on Serova Street in Kazan

Today, the Mayor of Kazan, Ilsur Metshin, took part in the official opening of the new boulevard on Serova Street. The landscaping of the first phase has been completed here. This the only public space in the republic designed for people with disabilities. The boulevard features playgrounds, sports grounds equipped with special equipment, a stage, sensory garden, and other functional areas. The Mayor spoke with residents and discussed further plans for improvement - in 2025, it is planned to clean up the lake nearby, build an observation deck, and create bike paths. The SIBUR company will also participate in building a bicycle rental pavilion for those with disabilities.

«The more large-scale international events we have, the more we can do for our residents and the more heritage we will leave behind. We have completed several major projects that we had long dreamed of thanks to the preparations for the BRICS summit. However, the boulevard along Serova Street stands out, as it is the first inclusive park designed for people with disabilities. We are breaking the ground in this area. There was nowhere else to look for inspiration, so we gathered the experience from Russia and the CIS countries piece by piece”, – said Mayor Ilsur Metshin at the opening of the boulevard.

The boulevard spans 3.9 hectares and stretches from the Yardam Mosque to Voskhod Street. This year's work focused on the first section, from the Mosque to the bus stop on Serova Street.

Presently, there are two playgrounds, a sports ground with adapted workout equipment, a stage, walking paths and a sensory garden on the boulevard. When designing the boulevard, the opinions of disabled people and rehabilitation specialists from the inclusive Dan Sports Complex, which is located near the Mosque, were taken into consideration. At their request, a Bocce court was installed on the boulevard for adults and children with disabilities to train and participate in competitions. Additionally, a chess table was installed with a convenient access for wheel chaired visitors.

In the event area, a stage was installed, walking paths with recreation areas were created, and a toilet module was provided. A «Kind Souvenir» shop opened in the park pavilion, where visitors can purchase products made in the inclusive workshops.

To enhance the sensory experience, a sensory garden was created on the boulevard with an aromatherapy area, a textured path, a striped mirror, and musical instruments.

Small architectural features were also added to the boulevard, along with lighting and video surveillance. Information signs with audio have been installed as well.

75 trees, 2,476 bushes, and 13,099 perennial plants have been planted along the walking paths in the park. This includes birches, cherry trees (red and white), maple trees, ash trees, lilacs, different types of spirea, juniper, and other types of perennials.

Work on the boulevard at Serova Street is scheduled to be completed in 2025, depending on funding availability.