On 15 October, a new public space was officially opened in Petergof on Yuta Bondarovskaya Street, next to buildings 17/1 and 17/2. Spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, the area now features playgrounds, sports facilities, walking paths, quiet relaxation spots, and landscaped green zones. The project was carried out under the St Petersburg Governor’s "Petersburg Courtyards" program, with requests from local residents.
The project was authored by Andrey Surovenkov, Dean of the SPbGASU Faculty of Architecture, Head of the Department of Architectural Design, PhD of Architecture, and Associate Professor. He oversaw the project’s development through all key stages—from the initial concept and the formulation of spatial solutions to the preparation of the complete set of design and working documentation.
The project has earned professional recognition: it was named the best-landscaped courtyard in the suburbs of the Northerb capital as part of the 18th Annual Competition organized by the Council of Municipalities of Saint Petersburg.
The space is designed as a multifunctional area for residents of all ages. For children, there are two playgrounds equipped with swings, carousels, and a rope course featuring nets and climbing elements. Also installed are educational play structures—such as "Alphabet," "Calendar," and "Seasons" panels—a "Counting Frame" activity board, and a "Children’s Telegraph" play feature.
For sports activities, there is an area equipped with professional outdoor exercise machines, sheltered by awning. Each piece of equipment features a QR code that provides access to video instructions and recommendations on how to select an appropriate workout regimen. For more relaxed leisure time, there are designated zones with hanging swings, benches, and a teardrop-shaped swing sheltered by a polycarbonate roof.
Special attention has been given to the landscaping of the grounds. The selection of plants takes into account their ornamental appeal across different seasons: forsythia blooms in the spring, while hydrangeas provide color in the autumn. Pedestrian paths are primarily paved with tiles, and metal footbridges have been installed to provide access to the various areas.
A separate objective was to ensure the space could be used safely after dark. Nine light fixtures with LED floodlights were installed on tapered, faceted, hinged poles. This design allows for maintenance to be performed without the need for specialized heavy equipment, thereby reducing both operational costs and the time required for service work.
The design also took into account the historical surroundings: located nearby is a cultural heritage site of regional significance—the "Barracks of the 148th Caspian Infantry Regiment." It was therefore essential to create a modern, convenient public space while remaining respectful of Petergof’s architectural heritage.
The grand opening was attended by Mikhail Baryshnikov, a deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St Petersburg and an honorary citizen of Petergof; Aleksandr Yakushev, Head of the Petrodvortsovy District; his First Deputy, Nikolay Aksyonov; Larisa Kanunnikova, Vice-President of the Association of Landscape Architects of Russia; Aleksandr Shifman, Head of the municipality of the city of Petergof; and Tatyana Egorova, Head of the local administration.
Mikhail Baryshnikov has proposed naming the new recreation area on Yuta Bondarovskaya Street "Family Square." This initiative aligns with the concept behind the space, which includes amenities for the leisure activities of children, parents, and the older generation.
The opening of the new public square is the result of a collaborative effort between the municipality, designers, and specialists involved in the improvement project. An area that was once in need of a refresh has been transformed into a modern public space for walking, sports, and family recreation.
